Quotes
We agree with the proposals to stop the hostilities,
Putin said in a speech Thursday
This is not about a ceasefire. It’s a signal to our American ‘partners once again,’ to our Ukrainian beggars, and, importantly, to our military. There will be no betrayal,
Kots said
Everyone [in the army] considers a temporary ceasefire complete nonsense, there’s no other option at the front,
said the soldier, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasonsThe president's words highlight the main flaw in the U.S. proposal,
said one of the largest Russian military Telegram channels, Archangel of the Special Forces, which has 1,116,000 subscribers and describes itself as “a channel for airborne troops.”The main is [Ukrainian President] Volodymyr Zelensky's statement that mobilization will not be canceled and that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will continue to receive weapons. Thus, the Kyiv regime will not create conditions for an immediate ceasefire, let alone meet other Russian demands,
it saidThe idea [of a ceasefire] itself is correct and we are certainly supporting it, but there are issues that need to be discussed,
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, urging further discussions with Washington and a potential call with White House leader Donald Trump
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There are certainly reasons to be cautiously optimistic,
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, in Google-translated comments carried by Russian state outlet Tass
We do have some cautious optimism,
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said in a Fox News TV interview[Putin] said that he supports President Trump's position in terms of a settlement, but he voiced some questions that need to be answered together,
he added, according to ReutersNevertheless, the president agrees with Trump’s position,
Peskov saidBoth sides understand that this conversation is necessary,
he addedWe have all just heard very predictable and highly manipulative words from Russia in response to the idea of a ceasefire on the front. ‘Putin is essentially preparing to reject it at this moment. Of course, Putin is afraid to tell president Trump directly that he wants to continue this war, that he wants to kill Ukrainians.”
Speaking in a video address on Thursday evening (13 March), Mr Zelensky said
He [Witkoff – ed.] was here yesterday, he was received by President Putin late last night. Additional information was provided to the Russian side. It was also through Witkoff that Putin communicated information and additional signals to President Trump,
Peskov said during a phone call with the press
I don't think it's realistic that Russia will agree to something where Ukraine remains independent and sovereign,
said Russia expert Janis Kluge from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, referencing Moscow's repeated demands that Ukraine should hold elections
We must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage,
the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said last month as the 27-nation bloc imposed its 16th round of sanctionsWhen Mr Witkoff brings all the information to President Trump, we will determine the timing of a conversation (between Trump and Putin),
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters
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It is absolutely unacceptable to us that army units of other states be stationed in Ukraine under any flag,
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a briefingI think we need to talk to our American colleagues... Maybe have a telephone call with President Trump and discuss this with him."
The United States has called for Russia to agree a ceasefire without any conditions but Putin raised a number of objections, sayingWe agree with proposals to cease hostilities, but on the basis that cessation would lead to long-term peace and address the root causes of the crisis."
Putin said on ThursdayA lot of the details of a final agreement have actually been discussed. Now we're going to see if Russia is there and, if not, it will be a very disappointing moment for the world,
Trump said