Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stopped short of making definitive commitments, leaving key issues unresolved.  

His remarks came in response to the 30-day truce proposed by the United States following a meeting on March 11 in Saudi Arabia between delegations from Washington DC and Kyiv. The statement suggests Putin is seeking to keep his options open while ensuring Russia retains the upper hand in the war.  

Speaking at a press conference alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on March 13, Putin stated that Russia was "in favour of a ceasefire" but insisted that any agreement must lead to a "long-term peace and elimination of the root cause of the crisis."  

While this indicates Moscow's possible willingness to discuss an end to hostilities, Putin's conditional response suggests Russia's strategic objectives remain unchanged. Any ceasefire agreement would likely have to be on terms that Moscow deems beneficial. The phrase "root causes," often used by the Kremlin as a reference to Ukraine's militarisation and close relationship with NATO, suggests Russia is maintaining its stance on its maximalist goals.  

Notably, however, Putin did not use the Lukashenko press conference to reiterate Moscow's key demands. The Russian president avoided mention of topics he has previously portrayed as non-negotiable, including Ukrainian recognition of Russia's annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, a ban on NATO membership for Kyiv, and the return of frozen Russian assets. There was also no reference to international peacekeepers, a recurring point of contention, with Russia having firmly opposed any foreign-led force on Ukrainian soil.  

In response to a journalist's question, Putin questioned the practicality of a 30-day ceasefire, suggesting Kyiv might use the pause to strengthen its military position. He specifically asked whether "forced mobilisation" would continue in Ukraine and whether the country would still receive "a supply of arms."  

He also claimed that Russian forces were advancing "almost everywhere" along the front line, implying that a ceasefire could freeze the battlefield in a way that benefits Moscow. Putin described the situation in the Kursk region as "fully under Russian control" and stated that Ukrainian troops were retreating under heavy fire.  

Moscow's approach to ceasefire talks appears to be influenced by shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly the evolving US stance under former President Donald Trump. While the Biden administration backed Ukraine's war effort with military aid and diplomatic support, Trump has signalled a desire to end the conflict quickly, even at the cost of Ukrainian concessions. This shift has placed pressure on Kyiv to engage in talks, as continued US support is no longer guaranteed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aware of Washington's changing priorities, has taken a tougher stance, refusing to concede any territory while seeking to demonstrate his commitment to peace. His decision to agree to the ceasefire was driven by the need to maintain US backing, particularly in light of Trump's criticism that Kyiv was prolonging the war.  

During the press conference, Putin stated that ceasefire discussions would take place with Washington DC, possibly with Trump himself. However, before that, Putin is expected to meet Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow on the night of March 13, with reports indicating that Witkoff had already arrived in Russia.