Russia's President Vladimir Putin walks past a guard of honour at the Kremlin in Moscow: Reuters
Russia's President Vladimir Putin walks past a guard of honour at the Kremlin in Moscow: Reuters
©Washington Post
Today at 09:34
In case there was any doubt about which country - Russia or Ukraine - was the obstacle to peace, the Kremlin dispelled it this week with its response to the 30-day ceasefire plan pushed by the Trump administration. Ukrainian representatives unconditionally agreed on Tuesday to the ceasefire during a meeting with U.S. envoys in Saudi Arabia. But on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin turned down the U.S. overture - even if he did so in language designed not to offend President Donald Trump.
“The idea in itself is the right one, and we certainly support it, but there are issues that we need to discuss,” Putin said diplomatically. He proceeded to make clear that he would object to any ceasefire that allows Ukraine to “use those 30 days to continue forced mobilization, get weapons supplies and prepare its mobilized units.” Putin did not offer to impose a 30-day moratorium on Russia’s military preparations - only on Ukraine’s.