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Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude towards US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their efforts in addressing the Ukraine conflict. In his first comments on Washington’s 30-day ceasefire proposal, Putin acknowledged the contributions of several global leaders, including those from China, Brazil, and South Africa, but also raised concerns regarding the plan’s execution.
“First of all, I would like to start with words of gratitude to the president of the United States, Mr. Trump, for paying so much attention to the Ukraine settlement. All of us have lots on our plates, but many state leaders, including the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, the Prime Minister of India, the President of Brazil, and the South African Republic, devote a lot of time to this issue. We are thankful to them because it’s all for the noble cause of stopping hostilities and preventing human casualties,” Putin said during a press briefing.
India’s Stand: ‘Not Neutral, Siding with Peace’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met with President Trump at the White House last month, reiterated India’s stance on the conflict. “India is not neutral. India is siding with peace. I have already said to President Putin that this is not the era of war. I support the efforts taken by President Trump,” PM Modi emphasized.
Since the Ukraine conflict erupted in February 2022, PM Modi has maintained regular communication with both President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue over warfare.
Putin Raises Concerns Over Ceasefire Proposal
While welcoming the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, Putin pointed out unresolved issues. “I am for the proposed ceasefire, but there are nuances,” he said. “We have serious questions about how it would work.”
The United States has urged Russia to accept the ceasefire unconditionally, underscoring the need to de-escalate the conflict. However, Moscow remains cautious about the specifics of the plan.
Trump Calls Putin’s Response ‘Promising but Incomplete’
Responding to Putin’s remarks, President Trump described them as “promising” yet “not complete.” Speaking at the White House during a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte, Trump remarked, “He put out a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine agreed to the US-backed ceasefire at talks in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, following pressure after a tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky at the Oval Office on February 28.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, mass displacement, and large-scale destruction. The war has also intensified geopolitical tensions between Moscow and Western nations, making peace negotiations a complex process.
With international efforts gaining momentum, all eyes are now on whether Russia will accept the ceasefire proposal and what conditions it may seek to impose. As world leaders push for peace, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of the conflict.
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