“We Agree to Ceasefire, But…”: Putin Thanks Trump, Modi, and Global Leaders for Peace Efforts
In a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his first public comments on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire. He expressed gratitude toward several world leaders—including former U.S. President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—for their active roles in trying to end the conflict.
Putin explained that while Russia supports proposals to halt hostilities, any ceasefire must serve as a first step toward lasting peace and address the deep-rooted causes of the war. When asked about Ukraine’s readiness to agree to a ceasefire, he thanked the international community for dedicating time to the issue, despite their own pressing domestic challenges, and stressed that their efforts aim to save lives and end the fighting.
Reiterating Russia’s stance, Putin noted that a ceasefire should not be a temporary measure but a pathway to a comprehensive and enduring resolution. He also mentioned recent discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that while it might appear that Ukraine is acting under American pressure, he is convinced that Ukraine must have independently sought U.S. support given the worsening conditions on the ground.
Earlier on March 11, Ukraine had indicated its readiness to accept an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S., with the possibility of extension if Russia agreed to implement it simultaneously.
Following peace talks in Jeddah, President Trump welcomed Ukraine’s decision and expressed hope that Russia would also commit to a ceasefire. Trump highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are losing their lives in this ongoing conflict.
At a separate press conference at the White House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace through dialogue. Modi clarified that India is not neutral but firmly on the side of peace, citing his regular contacts with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine. He stressed that lasting solutions cannot be achieved on the battlefield and praised diplomatic efforts as the only viable path to ending the war.
India’s active role in promoting peace was underscored by Modi’s recent visits to both Russia and Ukraine, where he reiterated that any true resolution must involve direct negotiations between the two nations.
Since its onset in February 2022, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has continued to pose severe challenges, making the search for a durable peace more critical than ever.
(with PTI inputs)