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Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that he supports a recent ceasefire proposal unveiled by the U.S. and Ukraine in Jeddah — but insists that it must lead to a “long-term peace” and the “elimination of the root causes of the crisis.” He made these remarks on March 13 during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The event was broadcast by the Belarusian state-run news agency BelTA.
The Insider quotes Putin’s statement in full:
“As for Ukraine’s readiness to cease fire, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the United States and his team for their attention to resolving the conflict. Many world leaders, including the Chairman of China, the Prime Minister of India, and the Presidents of Brazil and South Africa, have dedicated significant time to this issue. We appreciate their efforts aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities.
We are in favor of the proposal to cease hostilities, but we believe this cessation must lead to a long-term peace and the elimination of the root causes of the crisis.
Regarding Ukraine’s readiness, the meeting in Saudi Arabia may outwardly appear to be a decision made under American pressure, but I am convinced that the Ukrainian side itself actively sought it out, given the current situation.
Yesterday, I was in the Kursk Region, where I received reports from the Chief of the General Staff and the command of the ‘North’ grouping on the situation in the border area. It is completely under our control. The group that invaded our territory is in full isolation, and Ukrainian command in the incursion zone has been lost. Previously, Ukrainian troops attempted to withdraw in small groups, but this is no longer possible. Now, they move in twos and threes, as the entire area is under full fire control. Equipment has been abandoned and cannot be retrieved. If a complete blockade occurs in the coming days, they will have only two options — surrender or die.
Under these conditions, securing a 30-day truce would be advantageous for the Ukrainian side. We support this, but there are nuances. What should be done about the situation in the Kursk Region? If we halt combat operations for 30 days, what does that mean? That everyone there will be allowed to leave without a fight? Are we supposed to let them go after they have committed numerous crimes against civilians? Or will the Ukrainian leadership order them to lay down their arms and surrender? How will this unfold? It is unclear.
How will matters be handled along the entire 2,000-kilometer frontline? Russian forces are advancing in most sectors, creating conditions for the encirclement of large Ukrainian units. Will these 30 days be used for continued mobilization in Ukraine, for weapons deliveries, and for training new units? Or will that not be the case?
What are the mechanisms for control and verification? Who will issue the order to cease fire, and how will its enforcement be ensured across 2,000 kilometers? Who will determine where and by whom the truce was violated? Who will be held accountable for this?
All these questions require detailed discussion. The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it. However, there are questions that we need to discuss. I think we also need to discuss it with our American partners. Maybe I should call President Trump and talk it over with him. But the very idea of ending this conflict through peaceful means is something we support.”
Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept a U.S. proposal to implement an immediate interim 30-day ceasefire following negotiations in Saudi Arabia on March 11.
On March 13, U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to discuss the proposal, as well as bilateral relations between Moscow and Washington. According to a Russian presidential aide, Witkoff is set to hold a closed-door meeting with Vladimir Putin later today.