Did Russian President Vladimir Putin accept or reject the cease-fire proposal forwarded by the US after agreement with Ukraine? The answer varies depending on the perspective you consider.
While some European sources and certain US outlets claim a rejection, supporters of the Ukraine Peace Process argue that Putin accepted the proposal with conditions. President Donald J. Trump described Putin’s response as ‘encouraging, but incomplete’, whereas Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin.
Those familiar with Kremlin thoughts and Russian discourse realize that Putin has shown the most agreeable stance possible at this point. In the dynamics of war, it is often the victors who shape peace terms. Russia’s military presence in Eastern Donetsk remains strong, and they are making significant advances in the Kursk region, having reclaimed 29 settlements in a week.
Furthermore, the Red Army has intensified operations in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, capturing Novenke, which stretches the Ukrainian defenses even thinner. As a result, Russia is in no rush to reach an agreement.
Nevertheless, the peace process is moving rapidly. On the same day Putin addressed the issue, he met with Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff behind closed doors. The Kremlin expressed ‘cautious optimism’ following the meeting.
The Telegraph reported: “The Kremlin has said it is ‘cautiously optimistic’ after Vladimir Putin held talks with one of Donald Trump’s most senior advisers yesterday.”
Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow for late-night discussions with Putin following his varied response to a proposed 30-day truce with Ukraine. “Putin generally agrees with Mr. Trump’s position, but ‘there’s a lot of work to do’,” a Kremlin spokesman mentioned, indicating future discussions between Putin and Trump.
Sputnik provided further insights from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov: “The American side provided President Putin with additional information, while Putin relayed messages and signals to Trump through Witkoff.”
Peskov dismissed rumors that US Special Envoy Kellogg was excluded from talks at Russia’s behest, asserting that Russia aims to avoid meddling in US affairs. While supporting Trump’s stance on Ukraine, Putin emphasized the need to address crucial issues collaboratively. Both countries acknowledge the necessity of a dialogue between Putin and Trump.
The exact schedule for the Putin-Trump conversation remains undecided.
Read more:
BREAKING: Russian President Putin Accepts US-Ukraine Ceasefire Plan — But With Specific Conditions
— [The Gateway Pundit](https://twitter.com/GatewayPundit)
March 2025
