Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed conditional support for a 30-day cease-fire proposal during a news conference with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. While Putin stated that Russia "definitely supports" the idea, he emphasized that key conditions must be met before any truce is implemented.
This marks a shift from his previous stance in June, when he demanded Ukraine withdraw from four contested regions. However, Putin did not reiterate those demands this time, signaling a possible softening of his approach. He maintained that any peace agreement must address the "original causes" of the war, including Russia’s concerns over NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin’s response as "predictable and manipulative," accusing him of prolonging the conflict with excessive conditions. Zelensky argued that Putin is unwilling to admit to former U.S. President Donald Trump that he intends to continue the war.
In Washington, Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss cease-fire negotiations. Trump called the talks with Putin "serious" and expressed interest in meeting the Russian leader. Putin also hinted at a potential conversation with Trump in the near future.
Meanwhile, Putin is set to meet with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, later today, which could further shape cease-fire discussions. With diplomatic efforts ongoing, uncertainty remains over whether meaningful progress can be made toward ending the conflict.