In a major breakthrough for President Trump’s diplomatic efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin has tentatively agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump is doing what he said he would, and what Joe Biden couldn’t do throughout his entire administration.
At a glance:
• Putin has signaled agreement “in principle” with U.S.-driven 30-day ceasefire proposal for Ukraine
• President Trump has threatened financial consequences against Russia if it rejects the plan
• Trump dispatched Envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow for high-level negotiations
• Putin wants guarantees Ukraine won’t use ceasefire to rearm and regroup
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remains skeptical of Russia’s intentions given past broken truces
Trump’s Bold Diplomatic Push Yields Results
President Trump’s administration has achieved what many thought impossible, securing Putin’s tentative agreement to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. But with a catch or two…
The breakthrough follows intensive behind-the-scenes negotiations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Trump has taken a strong stance in the negotiations, threatening serious financial consequences if Russia refuses to cooperate with peace efforts.
“I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia,” Trump warned. And Putin knows that’s true.
The ceasefire proposal was initially discussed during high-level meetings in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. American and Russian diplomats are currently in Moscow working through the details of transforming this agreement in principle into concrete action.
Putin’s Cautious Acceptance With Conditions
While agreeing to the ceasefire in principle, Putin has emphasized the need for substantive discussions on ensuring the agreement leads to lasting peace. “So the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin stated, though he qualified his support with several conditions.
“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,” the Russian president added.
Russia’s demands remain firm regarding Ukraine’s territorial status and NATO aspirations. Putin continues to insist that Ukraine withdraw from regions Russia now occupies and commit to never joining NATO, positions that could complicate final agreement terms.
A senior Kremlin official said that a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. and accepted by Ukraine would help Kyiv by offering a break to its military. https://t.co/qwd5XvYUTf
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 13, 2025
Ukraine and NATO Allies Respond
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to the ceasefire but remains wary of Russia’s intentions based on past experiences. “The key is our partners’ ability to ensure that Russia is ready not to deceive, but to truly end the war,” Zelenskyy cautioned.
In fact, the Ukrainian President expressed so much doubt in the deal that he published a scathing post on X, doubting that the deal will be done as hoped.
If Ukraine doesn’t play ball, Zelenskyy risks making Trump very unhappy all over again. And that’s not going to end well…
