While carefully avoiding an outright rejection of US ceasefire proposals, Moscow is playing for time

Summary

Vladimir Putin responded to Ukraine’s US-backed ceasefire proposal by imposing strict conditions, including a halt to Kyiv’s military aid and mobilization, while continuing Russia’s own rearmament.

His calculated stance prolongs negotiations without outright rejecting Donald Trump’s initiative, which seeks to end the war while pressuring Ukraine.

Putin also demands Ukraine’s demilitarization, exclusion from NATO, and recognition of Russian territorial claims.

Trump, with limited leverage, may shift toward aligning with Putin’s terms. Meanwhile, Ukraine fears the ceasefire could allow Russia to regroup and intensify its offensive.