Reports indicate that Putin is calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine to be implemented on the existing frontlines

Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering a negotiated ceasefire in Ukraine, according to four Russian sources who spoke to Reuters. The sources revealed that Putin is prepared to freeze the war if Kyiv and the West do not respond to his offer.

The sources, who are familiar with discussions in Putin’s inner circle, shared that the Russian leader is frustrated with Western-backed efforts to hinder negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s refusal to engage in talks.

One senior Russian source, who has worked closely with Putin, stated, “Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a ceasefire – to freeze the war.” The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia does not want “eternal war” and is currently recruiting volunteer contractors for the armed forces instead of mobilizing the entire nation.

However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Putin of trying to sabotage a peace summit initiated by Ukraine in Switzerland next month. Kuleba asserted that Putin has no intention of ending his aggression against Ukraine.

The Swiss peace summit aims to unify international opinion on ending the conflict in Ukraine, but Russia has not been invited to the talks. Putin has expressed concerns that Ukraine may use the summit to demand a total Russian withdrawal, which he views as an imposed condition rather than a genuine negotiation.

Despite the possibility of a ceasefire, both Russia and Ukraine remain wary of each other’s intentions and fear that the other side may use any pause in fighting to re-arm. The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with Zelenskyy vowing to retake lost territory, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.