Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that he takes U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump’s remarks about swiftly ending the conflict in Ukraine seriously.
During a recent debate with President Joe Biden, Trump asserted that if he were elected, he would have the conflict “settled” before his inauguration in January 2025.
Putin’s Response
“The fact that Mr Trump, as a presidential candidate, is saying that he is ready and wants to stop the war in Ukraine, we take that quite seriously,” Putin remarked at a press conference in Astana.
While Putin acknowledged that he was “not familiar” with the specifics of Trump’s proposals to end the fighting, he emphasised the significance of Trump’s intentions.
“That, of course, is the key question,” Putin said. “But I have no doubt that he says it sincerely, and we support it.”
Conditions for Ceasefire
Putin has consistently claimed to be open to negotiations to end the conflict, now in its third year. However, he has demanded that Ukraine capitulate as a precondition for any ceasefire. Last month, Putin called for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the south and east of the country, vacating territories currently held by Ukrainian forces.
Also Read: Putin gives conditions for ceasefire in Ukraine
Ukraine’s Stance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has steadfastly rejected any proposals for a temporary ceasefire, arguing that Russia would use the pause to regroup and rearm. Kyiv maintains that a settlement must include the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Additionally, Ukraine demands compensation from Russia for the extensive damage and destruction caused by the conflict.
Battlefield Developments
The conflict has seen modest advances by Russian troops this year, following a largely unsuccessful Ukrainian counter-offensive in 2023.
As the war continues, Trump’s comments add a new dimension to the international discourse, with significant implications for the future of the region.
