Russia’s position on a ceasefire in Ukraine reveals an intricate standoff between global powers, with President Putin demanding specific conditions while the U.S. and Ukraine struggle to navigate a path to peace.

At a Glance

• President Putin supports a ceasefire in principle but insists on verification mechanisms to prevent Ukraine from using any pause to regroup
• Recent talks between Trump and Putin resulted in an agreement to pause strikes on energy infrastructure as a potential first step
• Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy remains skeptical of Russia’s intentions, viewing Putin’s demands as unrealistic
• Russia’s conditions include addressing NATO expansion and establishing clear verification measures
• Ongoing attacks continue despite diplomatic efforts, with both sides struggling to agree on ceasefire terms

The Trump-Putin Dialogue: First Steps Toward Peace?

Recent communication between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated discussions on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Their talks resulted in an agreement to pause strikes against energy and infrastructure targets as a first step toward broader peace efforts.

This preliminary agreement could potentially lead to a more comprehensive maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, marking progress in diplomatic efforts to end the nearly three-year conflict that has devastated Ukraine and strained international relations.

Despite these diplomatic overtures, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Air raid alerts and explosions were reported in Kyiv shortly after the Trump-Putin call, highlighting the disconnect between diplomatic promises and military actions.

The fragile nature of any agreement is further complicated by Putin’s call for an end to foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, a condition that would significantly impact Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and alter the strategic balance in the region.

Russia is unlikely to agree to a "full ceasefire without any conditions" within three weeks, given that Russia has demanded that the West provide some sanctions relief as a precondition for a temporary Black Sea ceasefire. ⬇️

▪️ The United States and Ukraine proposed on March 11… https://t.co/A71astR8QH pic.twitter.com/1aShm9E1UZ

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 1, 2025

Russia’s Key Conditions for Peace

The Kremlin has articulated specific conditions that must be addressed before any meaningful ceasefire can be implemented. President Putin insists that the root causes of the conflict must be acknowledged, particularly what Russia views as the geopolitical struggle over Ukraine’s future and NATO’s eastward expansion. For Moscow, these factors represent fundamental security concerns that cannot be overlooked in any peace negotiation, highlighting the deep ideological divisions that continue to fuel the conflict.

“President Putin does support the idea of the need for a ceasefire, but before that a number of questions must be answered. These questions are still hanging in the air; so far no one has given an answer to them.”, says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russia’s demands have expanded to include provisions for a temporary administration in Ukraine that would lead to elections, a proposition that Ukraine strongly opposes. The Kremlin has also attempted to discredit President Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, while accusing Ukrainian forces of breaking the proposed ceasefire on energy infrastructure.

These accusations create additional barriers to productive dialogue, as establishing trust between the warring parties becomes increasingly difficult amid contradictory claims and continued hostilities.

Putin’s position today rejects an unconditional ceasefire—an uncomfortable stance that risks angering Trump and hindering the otherwise promising prospects of normalizing bilateral relations. However, this rejection is not absolute; he outlines his demands. His key condition is…

— Tatiana Stanovaya (@Stanovaya) March 13, 2025

Ukraine’s Perspective and Strategic Concerns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed significant skepticism about Russia’s intentions. He views Putin’s conditions as unrealistic and designed to prolong the conflict rather than resolve it. Ukraine had previously proposed its own ceasefire framework covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes, along with prisoner exchanges. While Russia did announce a prisoner exchange following talks with Trump, the broader ceasefire conditions remain contentious, with Ukraine concerned that any pause would simply allow Russia to regroup.

“We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine”, says President Trump.

A significant point of contention is the potential role of international peacekeepers in enforcing any ceasefire agreement. Russia objects strongly to this concept, with Russian ambassador at large Rodion Miroshnik describing any European presence in Ukraine as “a blatant occupation of Ukraine by Europe.” This stance complicates verification mechanisms, which are essential for both sides to trust that the terms of any ceasefire will be respected. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to receive military support from European nations, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

The Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure

As diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine deteriorates. Reports indicate increased Russian assaults and drone attacks that have caused civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage. The strategic Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains a critical concern in discussions, representing both a potential humanitarian catastrophe and a valuable asset. These ongoing attacks underscore the urgent need for a ceasefire even as they make achieving one more difficult.

“so that they can present concrete evidence about what the word of the current Ukrainian authorities is worth, if you can call them authorities at all”, concludes the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has suggested that Putin is unlikely to agree to a quick ceasefire, reflecting the assessment that Russia’s current strategy involves continuing military pressure while engaging in diplomatic maneuvers.

This dynamic creates a challenging environment for negotiators as they attempt to find common ground. The divergent expectations and fundamental disagreements about verification, territorial control, and security guarantees continue to prevent meaningful progress toward ending a conflict that has already taken a devastating toll on Ukraine’s population and infrastructure.