On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unclear stance on a proposed ceasefire, calling it "very manipulative." "We now have all heard from Russia Putin's very predictable, very manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire," Zelensky expressed in his nightly address. Earlier that day, Putin made his first public remarks on the 30-day ceasefire proposal, which was put forward by the United States and supported by Ukraine. He said he was open to the idea but had "serious questions" about how it would be implemented.

While Washington urged Russia to accept the ceasefire without conditions, Putin pointed to several issues preventing it. "We do not set conditions that complicate anything. Russia does that," Zelensky stated. "As we have always said, the only one who will drag things out, the only one who will be unconstructive, is Russia."

Zelensky accused Putin of "actually preparing a refusal" but claimed he was "afraid to say directly to President Trump that he wants to continue this war." He also stated that Putin was "framing the idea of a ceasefire with such preconditions that nothing will work out at all, or for as long as possible."

On Thursday, Putin expressed concerns that Ukraine might use a ceasefire to gain a military advantage and emphasised Russia’s intent to continue its offensive as its forces advanced. He also doubted how a ceasefire could be effectively monitored along a front-line stretching thousands of kilometres. "Putin often does this -- he doesn't say 'no' directly, but he does it in such a way that he practically only delays everything and makes normal solutions impossible. We think that this is all just another Russian manipulation," according to Zelensky.

He further stated that the American side was willing to "organise control and verification" of the ceasefire. "It is feasible to ensure this with American capabilities and European capabilities. And to prepare answers to all the questions about long-term security and real, reliable peace during the ceasefire and put a plan to end the war on the table," Zelensky stated.