Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, for their intervention in resolving the current Russia-Ukraine conflict. His statement came as he made a public reaction to Kyiv's latest ceasefire offer, according to ANI.
At a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Putin said that Russia favors the proposal to stop fighting but holds the view that this should lead to permanent peace by addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Speaking about Ukraine's preparedness for a ceasefire, Putin, according to ANI, stated, "As for Ukraine's preparedness for a ceasefire, I will tell you how I perceive it, of course. But I would like to begin by thanking the President of the United States, Mr Trump, for paying so much attention to the Ukraine settlement. We all have enough of our own internal affairs to handle. But many leaders of states, including the President of the People's Republic of China, the Prime Minister of India, the Presidents of Brazil and the Republic of South Africa are also concerned with this problem and devote a lot of time to it. We appreciate all of them for that because this activity is pursued for the noble purpose - the purpose of ceasing hostilities and loss of life."
Echoing Russia's position, Putin went on to say, "We welcome the initiative on halting the fighting but go on from the premise that this pause must contribute to durable peace and cut to the core of the reasons for this crisis."
US Pressure on Ukraine?
Putin also referenced the recent negotiations between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that Kyiv's desire for a ceasefire might have been coerced by Washington's efforts.
"Now, regarding Ukraine's willingness to stop the hostilities. You see, on the surface, the US-Ukraine summit in Saudi Arabia can appear to be the Ukrainian side having taken this decision at the behest of the United States. As a matter of fact, I am totally sure that the Ukrainian side should have demanded this decision from the Americans most strongly, in light of the situation unfolding on the ground, as has just been said here," Putin said.
On March 11, Ukraine signed off on the US plan for an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire," extendable further by mutual consent, on condition that Russia also agrees and applies it.
Trump and Modi Support Ceasefire Efforts
After the peace negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump hailed Ukraine's move to accept the ceasefire and hoped that Russia would follow suit. Highlighting the need to put an end to the current conflict, Trump stated that Russian and Ukrainian troops were taking heavy losses in this "horrible war," emphasizing the need to get a ceasefire.
In February earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed support for Trump's peace initiative and reaffirmed India's long-held position that the war must be ended through diplomatic talks and not through endless fighting. Modi emphasized that India is not just impartial but strongly "on the side of peace."
"I have been in very close proximity with Russia and Ukraine. I have also met both countries' leaders. People have many misconceptions that India is neutral, but I want to again emphasize that India is not neutral; we are on one side, and that is peace," Modi declared at a joint press conference in the White House.
He further reinforced India's position that a lasting solution cannot be achieved through military means and acknowledged Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
Modi’s Diplomatic Engagements
As part of India's participation in a peace process, Modi went to Russia last July to attend the 22nd India-Russia Bilateral Summit. The next month, he went to Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. In their meeting, Modi assured India that it is still committed to a peaceful solution through diplomatic talks and negotiation.
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