Putin backs ceasefire but demands 'surrender' terms

Russian leader points to root causes’ of conflict with Ukraine

- JANE DALTON

Vladimir Putin has endorsed US plans for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine - but has insisted he will do so only on his terms. The Russian president made a series of demands for concessions from Ukraine’s President Zelensky, which some experts said would amount to a “surrender” by Ukraine.

Mr Putin said: “We agree with the proposals for the ceasefire but our position is based on the assumption the ceasefire will lead to a long-term peace.” Any such agreement had to address the “root causes” of the conflict, he said at a press conference. Mr Putin said he was broadly in favour of Donald Trump’s proposed 30-day truce, which Mr Zelensky has approved. But the Russian leader said there were “nuances” which had to be dealt with.

He has repeatedly insisted any temporary ceasefire could proceed only if he was given a guarantee that Ukraine would not join Nato. He is also adamant that Ukraine will not be given back land seized by Russia. He said “serious questions” remain over how the ceasefire will be implemented.

Mr Putin’s response drew criticism from leading diplomats and pundits. Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul told the BBC: “We are forcing Ukraine to surrender. Putin is occupying their territory, denying them their sovereignty to choose their alliances, he is now telling them they cannot even import weapons. That’s not a great deal from Zelensky’s perspective.”