Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautiously welcomed the United States' ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, but his insistence on addressing key Russian demands before halting hostilities casts doubt on the likelihood of a swift agreement. This as G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada struggle to unify their stance on Washington’s evolving strategy with Moscow and Kyiv.
Putin’s remarks from the Kremlin on Thursday signalled a willingness to engage in talks while making it clear that Russia would not settle for a ceasefire without securing strategic gains.
Speaking to the press after a meeting with Belorussian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Russian president stressed that any truce must address “the original causes of this crisis,” suggesting that significant concessions would be required – including Ukraine dropping its NATO ambitions, Russia securing full control over the territories it claims, and Western sanctions being eased.
His calibrated response appeared designed to project goodwill towards Washington while ensuring that Moscow retains the upper hand. “We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities,” Putin said, before adding, “But we proceed from the fact that this cessation should lead to long-term peace”.
US President Donald Trump, eager to cement his image as a dealmaker, described Putin’s statement as “very promising” but acknowledged that Russia’s true willingness to negotiate remains uncertain. His administration’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been in discussions with Russian officials in Moscow to determine whether a workable agreement can be reached.
Ukraine, however, remains deeply sceptical. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of using preconditions as a stalling tactic.
“That’s why in Moscow they are imposing upon the idea of a ceasefire these conditions – so that nothing happens at all, or so that it cannot happen for as long as possible,” Zelensky stated in his nightly address.
G7 divisions
As developments unfold in Moscow and Kyiv, G7 foreign ministers – representing Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US – have been meeting in Charlevoix, Québec to coordinate their response.
However, deep divisions have emerged over how to navigate Washington’s increasingly conciliatory stance towards Moscow.
Under Trump, the US has softened its rhetoric, now referring to the war as the “Russia-Ukraine conflict” rather than an “invasion” or “aggression”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged the G7 to adopt a less confrontational tone, arguing that overly aggressive language could undermine diplomatic efforts to bring the war to an end.
France leads Europe’s big five in pushing for stronger Ukraine defence
This shift has unsettled European allies, who fear it signals a willingness to strike a deal with Moscow that could weaken Ukraine’s position. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned,“Peace in Europe will only come through strength. What good is a ceasefire that would then lead to even more suffering, destruction and war in Europe after two or four years?”
French officials attending the G7 talks have also voiced concern over Washington’s evolving position. One diplomat, speaking anonymously to the AFP news agency, remarked: “The ambiguity in Washington’s position is unsettling. If the US pushes too hard for a settlement on Russia’s terms, it risks weakening Ukraine irreparably”.
French President Emmanuel Macron, a vocal advocate for European strategic autonomy, has consistently pushed for a firmer stance against Russian aggression. However, France remains committed to diplomatic efforts – provided that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not sacrificed in the process.
France hails 'progress' of Ukraine ceasefire deal, says onus is now on Russia
Finding common ground
Despite their differences, G7 ministers are working to forge a united position that balances ongoing support for Ukraine with the need for a realistic path to peace. A final communiqué is expected to endorse the ceasefire proposal while carefully avoiding full alignment with Trump’s approach.
“If the G7 cannot present a united front, it only benefits countries like China and Russia and sends a message to the Global South,” warned Japanese foreign ministry spokesman Toshihiro Kitamura.
Another diplomat acknowledged to AFP the challenges but noted that progress was being made: “Everyone is sticking to their positions, although not in a way that seeks to attack others”.
Beyond the immediate issue of Ukraine, tensions within the G7 have been further strained by Trump’s economic policies, including sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.
European and Canadian officials have warned that such moves could damage transatlantic relations while strengthening China’s global position.
(With newswires)
