Revealing the conditions for Russia to "finalize" a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine

(Dan Tri) - Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the West to stop all arms supplies to Ukraine so that a ceasefire agreement could be signed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with military generals in Kursk on March 12 (Photo: TASS).

Pravda quoted an informed source as saying that during US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow on March 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that this was a mandatory condition for signing a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.

The Russian leader has called for wider talks on a lasting solution to the war. Mr Putin’s demands could include demilitarising Ukraine and a pledge not to let it join NATO.

The source added that Russia wants the West to end all arms supplies to Ukraine, but the minimum goal is to cut off US aid to Kiev.

The sources also stressed that the request would only be temporary. The West could resume military aid to Ukraine after Russia and Ukraine sign a peace deal in which Kiev agrees to limit its military potential.

A European official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Europe was unlikely to agree to a demand to halt arms supplies to Ukraine in any ceasefire agreement. He stressed that this could lead to a situation where Russia rearmed during the ceasefire, which Ukraine would not have the opportunity to do.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that Moscow supports a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine as proposed by the United States. However, he stressed that a number of questions related to Russia's interests and the ceasefire monitoring mechanism must first be resolved. He also said he is ready to discuss these issues with President Trump.

According to observers, this "ambiguous" response helps Mr. Putin avoid offending the US leader, while also suggesting negotiating a deal on Moscow's terms. Today's phone call with President Trump could be an opportunity for Mr. Putin to make such proposals.

Ukraine is concerned that President Trump may agree to hand over control of Odessa, a strategically important port on the Black Sea, in talks with Mr. Putin, the New York Times reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.

Washington is understood to have accepted that Russia will keep Crimea and most of the territory it currently controls (about 20% of Ukraine). However, Kiev fears Mr Trump may be tempted to meet additional demands from Moscow, including the transfer of Odessa, a key Ukrainian grain export hub, and the country’s economic stability.

Aides to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky see such a scenario as a real threat, especially given Mr. Trump’s desire to quickly end the conflict, which could prompt him to make significant concessions.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/he-lo-dieu-kien-de-nga-chot-thoa-thuan-dinh-chien-voi-ukraine-20250318202734917.htm