Putin thanks Trump, Modi in 1st remarks on Kyiv's ceasefire
What's the story
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly thanked world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi, for their attempts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
This was his first public response to Ukraine's willingness to negotiate a 30-day ceasefire.
At a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Putin said Russia agrees with proposals for ceasefire, but "this cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of the crisis."
Putin's perspective
Ceasefire proposal should lead to long-term peace
On being asked whether Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire, Putin thanked Trump and other world leaders for their engagement in the Ukraine settlement.
"We all have enough of our own domestic affairs to attend to. But many leaders of states, among them the President of the People's Republic of China, the Prime Minister of India...are addressing this issue and give it a lot of their time."
American pressure
Ceasefire influenced by US-Ukraine discussions
Putin also weighed in on the recent US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, saying that it was American pressure that made Ukraine agree to a ceasefire.
"In fact, I am absolutely convinced that the Ukrainian side should have asked the Americans for this decision most emphatically, in view of the situation evolving on the ground."
Ceasefire agreement
Ukraine accepts US proposal for ceasefire
On March 11, Ukraine accepted the US proposal for an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire," contingent on Russia's acceptance and simultaneous implementation.
After peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Trump welcomed Ukraine's acceptance of the ceasefire and hoped Russia would agree to it.
He stressed it was necessary to reach a ceasefire in this "horrible war" in which soldiers of both countries are dying.
Diplomatic efforts
Modi reiterates India's position for peaceful resolution
In February, PM Modi welcomed Trump's efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict and reiterated India's stance that the conflict should be resolved through negotiations.
"I have always been in close contact with Russia and Ukraine... Many people are in a misconception that India is neutral, but I want to reiterate that India is not neutral; we are on a side, and that is peace."