Putin, in No Hurry for 30-Day Truce, Seeks Ukrainian Concessions
Briefly

President Putin did not rule out a proposed cease-fire in Ukraine but attached numerous conditions, indicating a likely delay or improbability in reaching a truce. His comments signaled confidence in Russia's military position while acknowledging the importance of continuing discussions with the U.S. and maintaining relations with President Trump. In contrast, President Zelensky criticized Putin's conditions as a barrier to meaningful negotiations. Putin's engagements included consultations about the cease-fire with Trump's envoy and discussions with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, underlining the interplay of military and diplomatic strategies in the ongoing conflict.
President Putin's conditions for a cease-fire proposal highlight Russia's confidence on the battlefield, yet indicate reluctance to conclude an actual truce soon.
Zelensky responded sharply, suggesting that the array of conditions imposed by Putin meant that negotiations would likely lead nowhere.
Discussion of the cease-fire underscored Putin's attempt to balance military advances while exploring diplomatic channels with the U.S. and avoiding alienating Trump.
The dynamics of the talks reveal the complexities of international relations, where military strategies directly influence the prospects for diplomatic solutions.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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