Putin would like to see a pro-Russian leader installed in Ukraine. (In recent weeks, Trump echoed the Kremlin appeals so that Zelensky was replaced, even claiming that the Ukrainian President is a dictator)
There is often a pit between what Russian President Vladimir Putin says and what he really means.
Asked about the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, Putin gave a long and complicated response during his Thursday press conference. Some phrases were made for television, with short quotes that seemed very favorable – when seen out of context – to the Trump administration plan, which Ukraine has already accepted.
At the beginning of his answer, Putin said “we agree with the proposal” – a quote that made headlines around the world. But he continued to make it clear that Moscow will not agree with a real deal anytime soon.
In his full response, Putin effectively ended the idea – demanding Kiev’s concessions, raising numerous questions and repeating the maximalist demands that Russia has maintained since launched its large -scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump himself positively commented on Putin’s reaction to the ceasefire proposal, saying in an optimistic tone that he was “promising … but it was not complete.”
But a closer look at what Putin said makes it clear that Russia is drawing and remains entrenched in its longtime positions:
We agree with the proposal to cease hostilities, but we must keep in mind that this ceasefire must aim for a lasting peace and should analyze the deep causes of the crisis. ” – Putin
This is not the first time Putin calls for the elimination of what he calls the “deep causes” of the war, and Kremlin has previously said that the current democratically elected Ukrainian government is part of these causes.
One of Kremlin’s reasons for the war was the fact that the election of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was illegitimate.
Putin would like to see a pro-Russian leader installed in Ukraine. (In recent weeks, Trump echoed Kremlin’s appeals so that Zelensky was replaced, even claiming that the Ukrainian President is a dictator.)
The “deep causes” also refer to Kremlin’s statements that Russia is threatened by the expansion of the NATO after the Cold War. This reflects Putin’s desire to see the military alliance to retire from the former communist states that were part of the Soviet sphere of influence, such as Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic.
A resident walks at the scene of an attack from a Russian drone in the scope of Russia’s attack on Ukraine in Odesa, Ukraine, on March 8. NINA LIASHONOK/REUTERS
In the past, he falsely stated that the NATO had committed not to expand to the east of the fall of the USSR. In fact, NATO has always had an open doors policy.
Putin repeatedly used the NATO as an excuse for his invasion from Ukraine and demanded that Kiev be prevented from joining the covenant and accepting permanent neutrality.
For Putin, the “main cause” of conflict is Ukraine’s desire to be an independent country and to choose his own path in terms of internal and external policy, ”said Brian Taylor, professor of political science at Syracuse University. “In addition, he pointed out ‘nuances’ and began to ask at least 16 questions about the details of any ceasefire agreement.”
Who will give orders to cease hostilities and what will be the price? Who will determine who violated it, where and how, in an extension of 2,000 kilometers (from the front line)? And who will blame later who for this violation? These are questions that require a meticulous investigation on both sides. ” – Putin
The Russian President, in questioning how a ceasefire would be implemented, reaffirms his opposition to the European proposals to put peace maintenance forces in the ground in Ukraine in case according to.
Kremlin has previously stated that the presence of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine, even under national flags, would be unacceptable. On Thursday, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Ministry spokesman, stating that Moscow would considered “unacceptable” any foreign military presence in Ukraine.
The Druzhba Hotel was widely damaged after a Russian missile attack on March 12 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Putin then appealed to a “thorough investigation on both sides”, suggesting that he intends to drag negotiations for a long time.
Its postponement can be a tactic to gain time for Russia’s advance in the Kursk region, where Ukraine still occupies some territory. Russian forces have advanced quickly this week to recover ground in Kursk, which could remove Kiev one of his only exchange coins as peaceful conversations advance.
With regard to Ukraine’s availability to cease hostilities, the US meeting in Saudi Arabia may seem like a decision made by the Ukrainian side under American pressure. But in fact, I am absolutely convinced that the Ukrainian side should have asked the Americans in the most insistent way, based on the situation that is developing on the ground. ” – Putin
In this case, Putin is arguing that Ukraine – not the United States – is the side that is pressing for a ceasefire.
The Trump administration, however, repeatedly emphasized its desire for a quick solution to war and publicly said that Ukraine has no letter in peace negotiations. “I think we will be in very good condition to achieve it. We want to end this, ”Trump said in the Oval Room on Thursday night after Putin made his comments.
Putin reiterated several times during his Thursday press conference, Kremlin’s argument that a 30-day temporary ceasefire would benefit Ukraine, potentially allowing the country to regroup and receive more weapons. (Russia would also benefit from the regrouping).
Firefighters work at the scene of a Russian drone attack in Odesa, Ukraine, on March 11. NINA LIASHONOK/REUTERS
This may be an attempt to promote the idea that Zelensky does not want to achieve long -term peace – a narrative that Russia is promoting despite having invaded Ukraine without provocation in 2014 and launched a large -scale invasion in 2022.
It seems to me that it would be very good for the Ukrainian side to get a truce of at least 30 days and we are all in favor of it, but there are nuances. ” – Putin
To say that Russia is “totally in favor”, but then appealing to prolonged negotiations and a discussion of “nuances” is a good reflection of Putin’s position on a ceasefire:
Did the Russian leader seem favorable to Trump, expressing solidarity with his position? Yes.
Did Russia really change any of its previous demands? It seems not.
“Putin’s response seems carefully elaborated to sound like a Trump, but to be a ‘no’ in practice, unless Ukraine is forced to submit to Russia’s demands,” said Taylor of Syracuse.
