The United States has put forward a proposal for a temporary ceasefire lasting 30 days, aimed at halting hostilities on the battlefield. This initiative, which has received support from Kyiv, encompasses a truce across maritime, aerial, and terrestrial domains.
On Thursday, March 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded for the first time to the United States’ proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. In his initial comments, the Russian leader elaborated on the efforts made by international leaders to bring an end to the three-year conflict. He expressed gratitude towards U.S. President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.
“I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to U.S. President Mr. Trump for his significant focus on resolving the situation in Ukraine. Many leaders, including the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, the Prime Minister of India, the President of Brazil, and the President of the South African Republic, are dedicating considerable time to this matter. We are grateful to them for their commitment to the noble cause of halting hostilities and preventing loss of life,” he stated.
India has consistently affirmed its dedication to peace on various global platforms, asserting that it is “not neutral and always stands for peace.”
During a meeting with Trump at the White House in February, PM Modi reiterated, “India is not neutral.”
“India is aligned with peace. I have already conveyed to President Putin that this is not the era of war. I support the initiatives taken by President Trump,” PM Modi remarked at a joint press conference.
In his discussions with Putin, PM Modi’s assertion that this is “not an era of war but of dialogue and diplomacy” received widespread acclaim. He has communicated similar sentiments to both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visits to Moscow and Kyiv.
On Thursday, while addressing the media, the Russian leader indicated that he was technically “in favor” of the proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, but he qualified this support with references to “nuances” and “serious issues.”
During a press conference in Moscow alongside Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Putin stated, “We support the proposals to halt hostilities, provided that this cessation leads to enduring peace and addresses the fundamental causes of the crisis.”
The United States has suggested a temporary ceasefire lasting 30 days, aimed at pausing hostilities on the front lines. This initiative, which has the support of Kyiv, encompasses a truce across maritime, aerial, and terrestrial domains.
In response to Putin’s remarks, Trump characterized them as “promising” yet “incomplete.” While meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump expressed his hope that Russia would act appropriately.
According to Reuters, Trump remarked, “Putin issued a very promising statement, but it was not complete.” He further added, “Hopefully, Russia will do the right thing.”
