Putin Sets New Condition Before Trump Talks: 'Halt Ukraine Weapon Supplies During 30-Day Truce Period'

Last Updated:March 18, 2025, 17:38 IST

European officials did not like the idea because they feared that Russia would use the window to re-arm itself while preventing Ukraine from doing so.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive for a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that all weapons deliveries to Ukraine must be stopped during the 30-day ceasefire proposed by his American counterpart Donald Trump, according to a report by Bloomberg News.

The Kremlin said that leaders will hold a phone call on Tuesday evening (IST). The Russian President wants arms supply to Ukraine halted not only from the US but also from Europe but is prioritising stopping US aid to Ukraine.

Europeans are reluctant to stop weapons deliveries, an official told Bloomberg News citing that it allows Russia to re-arm and prevents Ukraine from doing the same.

Many in Europe worry Trump — who has for years expressed admiration for Russia — will cede to Putin’s demands.

“We see this as an effort to provide Ukrainian forces with a pause during a difficult period. The Russian army is advancing on all fronts, and under these circumstances, the ceasefire could be viewed as a way to allow Ukraine to strengthen its position," Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, was quoted as saying by the news outlet.

Washington and Moscow have expressed optimism about recent talks but it remains to be seen if Trump can convince Putin to agree to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, more than three years into Russia’s invasion.

Kyiv urged Russia on Tuesday to accept to the ceasefire.

“It is time for Russia to show whether it really wants peace," Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said. “We expect the Russian side to unconditionally agree to this proposal."

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned Putin does not want peace and is trying to achieve a better position militarily ahead of any halt in fighting.

Putin has said that a ceasefire only benefits Kyiv and Moscow hinted Tuesday that it was skeptical.

The United States has made clear that Ukraine will likely have to cede territory in any deal, with European countries worried Trump will force Kyiv into an unfair agreement.

Zelenskyy said over the weekend that any discussions over territory should take place at the negotiating table only after a ceasefire.

Moscow, Russia

News world Putin Sets New Condition Before Trump Talks: 'Halt Ukraine Weapon Supplies During 30-Day Truce Period'