Today, we focus on the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with special attention to the proposed truce and the reactions of key stakeholders.

Putin (Partially) Open to a Truce, But with Conditions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautiously and preliminarily agreed to the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, his approval comes with significant conditions and reservations.

* Putin stated that a truce should lead to a lasting peace and address the "root causes" of the conflict.

* He raised practical concerns about implementation, questioning who would issue the ceasefire order, how compliance would be monitored along a 2,000-kilometer front, and who would be held accountable for violations.

* A major concern for Putin is that Ukraine could use the 30-day truce to reorganize its forces, mobilize new soldiers, and receive additional weaponry.

* Putin also highlighted the situation in the Kursk region, where Russian forces are advancing and have reportedly regained control of Sudzha. He declared that Ukrainian troops stationed there have only two options: surrender or die.

The Role of the United States and Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow and met with Putin to discuss the proposed truce.

* Trump described Putin’s statements on the truce as "very promising, but not complete."

* He expressed his willingness to negotiate directly with Putin to secure a ceasefire.

* Trump also warned of "devastating sanctions" against Russia should it refuse to accept the truce.

* The White House previously announced that Witkoff would visit Moscow to discuss the 30-day truce agreement reached between the U.S. and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.

Ukraine’s Reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism over Putin’s overtures, calling them a "manipulation" designed to set the stage for an eventual rejection.

* Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine had accepted the U.S. proposal for an unconditional truce on land, sea, and air.

* He condemned Russia’s failure to provide a substantial response to the ceasefire proposal agreed upon in Jeddah, viewing it as an attempt to prolong the war.

* Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to swiftly pursuing peace and creating conditions for a reliable and lasting resolution.

Points of Disagreement and Future Prospects

Several obstacles remain on the path to an effective ceasefire and a lasting peace.

* Russia insists that the truce should lead to a long-term solution that acknowledges its interests, including Ukraine’s neutrality and recognition of Russian territorial gains (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson).

* Ukraine, supported by many Western nations, is unlikely to accept these territorial concessions.

* Russia considers the deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine to be "unacceptable."

* Putin’s advisor, Yuri Ushakov, labeled the U.S. ceasefire proposal as "rushed", arguing that it offers Russia nothing and merely provides Ukraine with an opportunity to regroup and rearm.

In Conclusion

The situation remains fluid and complex. Putin’s conditional openness to a truce, coupled with U.S. diplomatic efforts, presents a potential opening for peace talks. However, the deep-seated differences between the parties make swift progress toward peace uncertain. The meeting between Witkoff and Putin, as well as a potential Trump-Putin phone call, will be pivotal in determining whether meaningful negotiations can take place.