Donald Trump initiated his discussion with Vladimir Putin with a request for a 30-day truce on land, sea, and air, a proposal already accepted by Ukraine and proposed as a step towards peace. However, Putin responded with demands and conditions that threw the prospects of any meaningful peace agreement into question. The Kremlin’s key requirement was for a complete halt to foreign military aid and the cessation of intelligence information to Ukraine, effectively asking for the withdrawal of support not just from the US but from all Ukraine’s international allies. This demand, considered unreasonable and incompatible with ongoing European-led security initiatives for Ukraine, reflects a position that Ukraine cannot accept. The demand’s audacity raises questions about Putin’s sincerity in pursuing peace. European leaders, including those from France and Germany, reinforced their continued backing for Ukraine. Trump did secure a more modest agreement from Putin—an agreement to stop bombing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure if Ukraine mutually refrains from similar attacks. Despite minor concessions, the overall tone of the conversation and the divergent goals of the two leaders cast doubt on the potential for a genuine ceasefire. While negotiations are ongoing, concerns persist that Russia could exploit the talks to drive a wedge between the US and Europe. Additionally, Trump and Putin agreed to arrange ice hockey matches between American and Russian leagues, marking a small point of cooperation amidst the tensions.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/19/so-bold-are-putins-ceasefire-demands-its-hard-to-believe-he-is-entirely-serious