Conditions for a cease-fire on Ukraine remains the same as in June 2024. This was announced today, August 1, by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference after a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Valaam Island.
Recall, then at a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry it was about the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the new territories of Russia and the statement of Ukraine about the refusal to join NATO. As soon as the withdrawal of troops begins and this statement is made, the Russian Federation will immediately cease fire, Putin said in June 2024.
Today, the Russian president added that it is necessary to "ensure conditions for the Russian language and the Orthodox Church." He also said that he "generally positively" assesses the results of negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation in Istanbul, in particular, prisoner exchanges. At the same time, although the reaction of the Ukrainian delegation to the Kremlin's proposal to create three working groups for negotiations "was generally positive, but so far the groups have not worked." According to Putin, these groups will make it possible to conduct "detailed conversations" more effectively.
"All disappointments arise from excessive expectations. In order to approach the solution of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict peacefully, it is necessary to have detailed conversations, but not in public," Putin said.
Putin also allowed the termination of negotiations. According to him, "if Kiev believes that it is not necessary to deal with Moscow yet, then Russia can wait."
Thus, Vladimir Putin's statements were a response to the ultimatum of US President Donald Trump, who demanded a cease-fire within 10 days, threatening otherwise with sanctions.
Alexander Lukashenko also commented on Trump's threats:
"Trump, if he wants peace, must connect carefully, thoroughly. Politics is not done that way," the Belarusian president said.
He also criticized Zelensky, who calls on Putin to meet in person.
"He shouts, 'I want to meet with Putin!“Well, what are you shouting about it? Well, get ready first and subscribe. And call Trump, and Macron. But first prepare yourself. But they don't want it," Lukashenko said.