Putin proposes ceasefire along current front lines

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed halting military operations in Ukraine along the existing front lines, potentially relinquishing claims to Ukrainian territories still under Kyiv’s control. This proposal emerged during discussions with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on April 11, as reported by the Financial Times.

In response, the United States has presented a peace framework that includes the formal recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and the freezing of current front lines. These proposals were reportedly shared with Ukrainian officials during talks in Paris last week.

European officials have expressed concern that Putin’s offer might be a strategic move to influence the US President Donald Trump into pressuring Ukraine for concessions. The US has also suggested lifting certain sanctions against Russia as part of the peace agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any recognition of Crimea as Russian, stating that such a move would violate Ukraine’s constitution. He emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. ​

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, initially scheduled to attend peace talks in London on April 23, will not participate due to scheduling conflicts. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg will represent the US at the discussions. ​

The London meeting, involving officials from Ukraine, the US, the UK and other European nations, aims to advance diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.