Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia is in agreement with the United States' proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that any ceasefire arrangement must address the underlying causes of the ongoing conflict. During a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow, Putin expressed Russia's support for ending the Russia-Ukraine war through peaceful means.

According to Anadolu Agency, Putin extended his gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his dedication to resolving the conflict. He stated that Russia is committed to determining the next steps towards ending the war, contingent on the evolving situation on the ground. Putin acknowledged the proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine as a positive step, but highlighted the need for further discussions with American counterparts, suggesting the possibility of direct communication with President Trump.

Putin also highlighted the challenges of monitoring a ceasefire due to the extensive front line between Russia and Ukraine. He referenced the situation in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had previously launched an incursion. Putin asserted that the region is now under Russian military control and that Ukrainian forces in the area are completely isolated. He suggested that Ukraine should consider accepting a 30-day ceasefire based on the current circumstances.

In response, Ukraine indicated its willingness to support a 30-day ceasefire with Russia following talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between Ukrainian officials and a US delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Although a joint statement after the meeting did not include "security guarantees," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned in a video message that the topic was discussed.