Russian President Vladimir Putin is not backing down from his goal of controlling Ukraine, even amid U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire, as reported by the Washington Post, citing sources familiar with American intelligence reports. An American official stated Putin continues to have "a long-standing desire to restore 'Greater Russia' and remains determined to establish control over Kyiv.
This assessment was part of intelligence reports distributed to President Donald Trump's administration on March 6. Some officials believe even if Russia agrees to a ceasefire, Moscow would likely use the pause to rearm, breach the agreement, and seek provocations, which it could then attribute to Ukraine.
Three days prior, during negotiations in Jeddah, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, on the condition Russia would respect it. Putin stated on March 13, 2025, during a press conference, he is prepared to accept the American proposal for a ceasefire. Still, this acceptance came with stipulations demanding Ukraine halt mobilization, military training, and arms imports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin's conditions as "Russian manipulation" and called for stricter sanctions against Moscow.
Trump remarked on March 13, asserting Putin's statement was "very promising," yet felt it lacked completeness. European intelligence, also reported by the Washington Post, claims Moscow perceives Trump as weak, unprincipled, and potentially susceptible to manipulation, based on the latest intelligence.
Experts worry if Russia secures a lasting ceasefire, it may return to "hybrid" methods, propaganda, economic pressure, and cyber attacks, tactics employed against Ukraine prior to its 2022 invasion.
At a lengthy press conference on Thursday, Putin conditioned support for the American ceasefire proposal with maximum demands, insisting on resolutions satisfying Russian interests. While expressing willingness to halt the conflict, his terms reflect unwavering demands from Moscow, placing the U.S. and Ukraine before serious challenges.
During the same conference, Putin stated he agrees with Trump's initiative but has clear reservations, noting, "We agree with the suggestion to stop hostilities. But, we think this ceasefire must guarantee lasting peace and eliminate the root causes of the conflict." With this, he thanked Trump for his efforts to end the war.
Putin also revealed Moscow rejects foreign troops securing any peace agreement, opposing Ukraine's NATO membership. Janis Kluge, a Russia expert for the New York Times, remarked, "I believe Russia agreeing to terms where Ukraine remains sovereign and independent is unrealistic."
Moscow's demands also include new elections within Ukraine, with no interest in returning occupied territories, instead proposing the exploitation of resources from those regions with foreign partners.
Addressing the economic pressures from declining military effectiveness, recession, and inflation, Moscow prioritizes the lifting of western sanctions, positioning the ceasefire as attractive, but exclusively under its conditions.
American President Trump seeks political capital as mediator for peace but has not delivered on promises to end the war within 24 hours. The U.S. is also interested in accessing Ukrainian resources, whereas the EU under the leadership of Kaja Kallas pushes for sanctions and support for Ukraine, wary of Russian influence.
On March 14, BBC reported Putin's stance on the ceasefire indicates significant conditions, expressing his agreement to it but referring to "questions" surrounding the very nature of the truce. The Russian President stressed the proposed ceasefire should lead to "lasting peace and resolve the roots of this crisis," stating talks with American colleagues and partners are necessary, indicating he might soon have direct communication with Donald Trump.
Putin's insistence on preconditions raises concerns. Zelensky denounced Putin's reaction, claiming it reflects Moscow's refusal to halt military action, asserting, "We have heard many predictable and manipulative words from Russia as responses to the ceasefire idea at the front. Putin, of course, is afraid to directly tell Trump he wants to continue this war, to kill Ukrainians."
Viewing Putin's comments as both tough yet misguided, Trump believes there are positive signals from Russia concerning the proposed 30-day ceasefire. If such peace can be agreed upon, it could lead to equitable terms, providing opportunities to conclude the conflict, Trump stated during comments at the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky called upon allies to intensify pressure on Russia and to impose more sanctions. The situation remains tentative, with risks of escalation as both sides show firmly entrenched positions.
Following the U.S. proposals, the G7 foreign ministers praised the ceasefire suggestion but failed to mention any new sanctions against Russia, emphasizing the necessity for solid security guarantees for Ukraine. With negotiations and military operations still occurring, the war's resolution remains elusive, to the dismay of all parties involved.