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

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that the West cease all arms supplies to Ukraine in order to sign a ceasefire agreement.

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

According to Pravda , citing informed sources, 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 broader negotiations on a lasting solution to the war. Putin's demands could include the demilitarization of Ukraine and a commitment not to allow Ukraine to 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 Kyiv.

Sources also emphasized that this request would only be temporary. The West could resume military aid to Ukraine after Russia and Ukraine sign a peace agreement in which Kyiv agrees to limit its military capabilities.

An unnamed European official said that Europe is 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 rearms during the ceasefire, while Ukraine would not have such an opportunity.

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

According to observers, this "ambiguous" response helps Putin avoid offending the American leader while simultaneously opening the door to negotiating an agreement on Moscow's terms. Today's phone call with President Trump could be an opportunity for Putin to make such proposals.

The New York Times, citing informed sources, reported that Ukraine is concerned that President Trump may agree to cede control of Odessa, a strategically important port on the Black Sea, during negotiations with Putin.

Washington has reportedly accepted that Russia will retain the Crimean Peninsula and most of the territory it currently controls (accounting for approximately 20% of Ukraine). However, Kyiv fears that Trump may meet additional demands from Moscow, including the transfer of Odessa, a key Ukrainian grain export center, and the country's economic stability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's aides view such a scenario as a real threat, especially given 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