Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day temporary ceasefire with Ukraine. The proposal was put forward by the United States last week after discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a press conference on Thursday (March 13), Putin announced his support for the ceasefire but emphasized that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict and require further details.
The war between Russia and Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, when Putin ordered a full-scale military invasion. Since then, the conflict has continued for three years, escalating tensions between Russia and the United States.
Previously, Russia indicated its reluctance to accept the ceasefire. Yuri Ushakov, a top Russian foreign policy official, stated that the ceasefire would provide Ukrainian forces with an opportunity to regroup, which Moscow viewed as unfavorable. He emphasized that Russia’s priority is a long-term peace agreement that protects its interests, rather than a temporary pause in hostilities.
When asked about Russia’s final stance, Putin confirmed in his press conference that he had agreed to the ceasefire proposal. However, he reiterated the need for further discussions to ensure a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.