Putin may agree to a 30-day truce, but on his own terms – Bloomberg
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin may accept a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. However, he is likely to put forward demands, Bloomberg informs.
According to the outlet's sources, the Kremlin leader is now trying to delay the timeline for agreeing on a ceasefire with Ukraine to ensure "the most favorable terms possible are secured for Moscow." He wants his demands to be taken into account.
A Bloomberg interlocutor claims that Russian officials have not discussed with the Americans the idea of a 30-day ceasefire, which was proposed to Ukraine. The Kremlin allegedly considers such an initiative unacceptable for itself.
One person close to the Kremlin told the media outlet that Russia may demand an end to Western arms supplies to Ukraine as a condition for a ceasefire.
"Putin won’t give a hard ‘yes’ or a hard 'no.' Even in a fantastic situation where Putin makes some gestures toward a truce, it would still be a temporary one and with very harsh conditions," Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told Bloomberg.
Ceasefire initiative
During a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, American officials proposed an initiative for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Ukraine agreed to take this step.
A joint statement following the meeting noted that the truce could be extended if the parties to the conflict wish to do so.
So far, Russia has neither accepted nor rejected the proposal. American officials are expected to discuss the initiative with Russian representatives.
