Russian President Putin Ready to Halt War in Ukraine with Negotiated Ceasefire: Sources

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire that recognizes the current battlefield lines, according to four Russian sources who spoke to Reuters. However, Putin is prepared to continue fighting if Kyiv and the West do not respond to his offer.

Sources familiar with discussions in Putin’s inner circle revealed that the Russian leader has expressed frustration with Western-backed attempts to hinder negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s refusal to engage in talks. One senior Russian source who has worked closely with Putin stated, “Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but he is also ready for a ceasefire – to freeze the war.”

Despite Putin’s willingness to consider a ceasefire, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that Putin is not genuinely interested in ending the aggression against Ukraine. Kuleba stated that only a united global effort can compel Putin to choose peace over war.

The upcoming Swiss peace summit in June aims to unify international opinion on ending the conflict in Ukraine. However, tensions remain high as Ukraine and Russia have differing views on the summit’s credibility and attendance. While Ukraine and its Western allies are banking on substantial aid packages to reverse the war’s impact, Putin’s insistence on locking in battlefield gains remains a major obstacle to peace negotiations.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the possibility of a ceasefire remains uncertain. Both Russia and Ukraine fear that the other side may use any ceasefire to re-arm, prolonging the conflict. Despite international efforts to end the war, Putin’s intentions and actions in Ukraine remain a significant concern for global security.

In the midst of this ongoing crisis, the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as world leaders grapple with the complexities of ending one of Europe’s biggest ground conflicts since World War Two. The road to peace in Ukraine remains fraught with challenges, but the international community continues to push for a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.