(Dan Tri) - Russia expressed concern that any ceasefire could allow the Ukrainian army more time to rearm.
Russian soldiers participate in military campaign (Photo: Sputnik).
"We see these calls as an attempt to give the Ukrainian army a break, because they are going through difficult times right now," Yury Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, said of the ceasefire proposal from the West and Ukraine.
"The Russian army is advancing in all directions. In this situation, it seems to be an attempt to give the Ukrainian army more time to rearm and regroup," Ushakov said, adding that Russia's position and concerns on the issue "are well known to everyone."
Russian officials also said that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump will be held as soon as needed.
"We are preparing for the meeting, and it will be held as soon as there is a need," Ushakov confirmed.
Earlier, during talks on March 11 in Saudi Arabia, the US delegation proposed a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Kiev agreed to the proposal in exchange for the US immediately restoring military aid and intelligence sharing.
On March 13, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy, Mr. Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow to discuss with President Putin the ceasefire proposal.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 13 that Moscow supports the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine as proposed by the United States. However, he set a series of conditions that could delay any ceasefire or make it impossible.
Under his new terms, Ukraine must order its troops in Kursk to surrender, the West must stop supplying weapons and Ukraine must stop mobilizing its troops. He stressed that any agreement must address the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict and bring about a lasting peace.
Mr. Putin stressed that Moscow is ready to negotiate the next steps to end the conflict in Ukraine and reach acceptable agreements, based on the rapidly changing situation on the battlefield that is tilting in Russia's favor.
The Kremlin chief also touched on broader issues surrounding the ceasefire, arguing that it could give Ukraine a chance to rearm and regain fighting momentum at a time when Russia is on the offensive.
According to observers, Mr. Putin is trying to stall when Russia is on the verge of completely pushing Ukrainian forces out of the border province of Kursk, completely depriving Kiev of any bargaining chips in future negotiations. The Russian leader believes that his forces have the upper hand on the battlefield and that prolonging the negotiations will benefit Russia.
Mr Putin's delaying tactic not only allowed Russia to rewrite its ceasefire proposal but, more importantly, helped Moscow avoid "embarrassing" Mr Trump, who had pushed for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Mr Putin appears to want to maintain good relations with Mr Trump, given the geopolitical gains the US president has brought to the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he has leverage over Russia but does not want to use it at this time.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/phan-ung-cua-nga-voi-de-xuat-ngung-ban-o-ukraine-20250316181943349.htm
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