Putin accepts 30-day ceasefire plan in Ukraine, but has some conditions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted in principle the plan for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine proposed by the United States and President Trump.

But the Russian leader has his own conditions for this agreement, saying that a ceasefire agreement must lead to a long-term peace, which begins with the final elimination of the initial causes that led to this crisis.

"We agree with the proposal for a cessation of hostilities, but it must lead to lasting peace and eliminate the fundamental causes of this crisis," Putin said.

He added that the plan needs more consultations with the United States, not ruling out the possibility of a phone conversation with White House President Donald Trump.

At a press conference with the Belarusian president, Putin also spoke about the situation on the fighting front, adding that the Kursk region is now controlled by Russian forces and called on isolated Ukrainians to surrender, otherwise they will die.

"If we cease hostilities for 30 days, does this mean that everyone in Kursk will leave? Should we release them after they committed numerous crimes? The Russian Armed Forces are advancing almost everywhere, it is unclear how the situation on the contact line will be resolved in the event of a ceasefire," Putin said.

Putin announced that "the Russian Federation will negotiate the next steps to end the conflict and reach acceptable agreements based on the situation on the ground. The situation on the ground is rapidly changing in favor of the Russian Federation."