Fri Mar 14 12:46:37 UTC 2025: ## Putin Raises Concerns, Casting Doubt on Proposed Ukraine Ceasefire
**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia/Moscow, Russia –** A proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, agreed upon by the US and Ukraine in Jeddah, faces significant hurdles after Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed reservations. While stating that Russia “agrees in principle” to a ceasefire, Putin outlined conditions he says must be met before Moscow commits. These include clarifying the status of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, guaranteeing that a ceasefire wouldn’t allow Ukraine to mobilize further forces or receive additional weapons, and establishing a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance across the vast frontline.
Putin’s comments, delivered alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, drew immediate criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who accused Putin of maneuvering to reject the proposal. Zelenskyy urged increased pressure on Russia, including stronger sanctions.
The US response was more muted. While President Donald Trump called Putin’s statement “promising but incomplete,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a willingness to exert “maximum pressure” on both sides, suggesting further sanctions against Russia remain a possibility. This follows a recent temporary suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine, an incident that has since been resolved.
Experts express concern that Putin’s conditions could significantly delay or derail the ceasefire. Analysts suggest that Russia may be using the ceasefire talks to buy time, consolidate its position, and potentially gain leverage in future negotiations. The uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the ceasefire leaves the future of the conflict hanging in the balance.
First Piper 