Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s acceptance of a proposed 30-day ceasefire, labeling it as a “manipulative” tactic designed to delay rather than end hostilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his willingness to consider a U.S.-endorsed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he conditioned his agreement on direct dialogue with President Donald Trump.
It’s worth noting that in 2023, Putin had previously indicated his openness to a ceasefire, which included a proposal to freeze the conflict along current front lines, incorporating Russian-held territories. Yet, this initiative was rebuffed by the Biden administration without any counter-offer.
An inside source relayed that the Biden administration’s insistence on Ukrainian involvement in discussions led to the collapse of these efforts. In 2024, Putin proposed a permanent resolution to the conflict.
Vladimir Putin: “Today, we’re making another real peaceful proposal, a proposal of peace. If they refuse once again in Kyiv, it is their business. It is their choice to continue this bloodshed. The reality on the ground will keep shifting and not in favor of the Kyiv regime, and the conditions for the talks will change as well. Let me emphasize that the gist of our proposal is not just a ceasefire or a temporary truth as the West wants it. They want to rearm the Kyiv regime. This is not about transforming this into a frozen conflict. We want to put an end to this conflict. Once again, I would like to say that as soon as Kyiv agrees to this turn of events, as we propose it today, as soon as they agree to withdraw the troops from the Porosha and Kherson regions and the People’s Republic, we are ready to launch these talks without any delay.
NATO, not Zelensky, immediately dismissed the peace offer. NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg responded on behalf of the Ukrainian people.
Jens Stoltenberg: “This is not a peace proposal. This is a proposal for more aggression and more occupation. This is not a serious proposal.”
In Moscow, Putin reiterated his support for the ceasefire proposal, stressing the necessity of negotiations to ensure a sustainable peace rather than a temporary solution.
“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin stated. “But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to talk about it with our American colleagues and partners and, perhaps, have a call with President Trump and discuss it with him.”
The notion of a conversation between Trump and Putin presents a significant challenge for Zelensky and his Western supporters. Given Trump’s success in negotiating the Abraham Accords, a peace deal between Trump and Putin could unravel the established narrative surrounding the Ukraine war.
A ceasefire negotiated by Trump would be devastating for globalist elites who have relied on this conflict to justify vast expenditures and authoritarian measures.
Zelensky swiftly issued a defensive video statement on X, accusing Putin of “manipulation” and “stalling” while advocating for harsher sanctions against Russia.
“Right now, we have all heard from Russia Putin’s highly predictable and manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire on the front lines—at this moment he is, in fact, preparing to reject it.
Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians. That’s why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions that it either fails or gets dragged out for as long as possible. Putin does this often—he doesn’t say ‘no’ outright, but he drags things out and makes reasonable solutions impossible. We see this as yet another round of Russian manipulation.
There was a U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire—in the air, at sea, and on the front lines. We in Ukraine accepted this proposal. We have heard from the American side that there is readiness to organize monitoring and verification. And this is absolutely feasible—with American and European capabilities.
And during the ceasefire, to prepare answers to all questions about long-term security and a real, lasting peace, and to put a plan to end the war on the table. Ukraine is ready to work as quickly and constructively as possible. We have discussed this with U.S. representatives, and our European partners, as well as all our allies worldwide, are aware of it.
We are not setting conditions that complicate the process—Russia is. As we have always said, the only one stalling, the only one being unconstructive, is Russia. They need this war. Putin has stolen years of peace and continues this war day after day.
Now is the time to increase pressure on him. Sanctions must be applied—ones that will work. We will continue working with our American and European partners and with everyone in the world who wants peace—to force Russia to end this war.”
Right now, we have all heard from Russia Putin’s highly predictable and manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire on the front lines—at this moment he is, in fact, preparing to reject it.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa)
March 13, 2025
