What’s been happening in Russian politics this month? Putin makes a rare visit to Kursk, sets out conditions for a ceasefire, and agrees to stop striking Ukrainian energy targets.
March 11: Putin visits Kursk region
Vladimir Putin made his first visit since the Ukrainian war to the Russian-occupied Kursk region. The visit was broadcast by Russian state television. The visit was intended to boost morale among Russian troops.
Wearing full Russian camouflage military uniform, Putin spoke to Russian troops, stating Russia’s goal is to “completely liberate” the Kursk region.
March 13: Putin sets out conditions for a ceasefire with Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he agrees to the idea of a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine.
Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Putin said, “The idea is right – and we support it – but there are questions that we need to discuss.”
Putin claims a proposed ceasefire with Ukraine should be “an enduring peace and remove the root causes of this crisis”
However, there are some areas of debate around agreeing to a ceasefire. Putin has put out “several tough questions for peace”, according to a BBC article.
Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has claimed 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory. No doubt, there shall be further debate over the future of these claimed territories.
President Donald Trump wants a quick end to the Ukrainian war. Following Putin’s remarks at the Moscow news conference, Trump said he would “love” to meet with Putin and hopes Russia will do the “right thing” by agreeing to a ceasefire.
March 18: Putin agrees to stop strikes on Ukrainian energy targets
After a phone call with Donald Trump, Putin has agreed to halt Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy targets.
During the 90-minute call, Putin set out several conditions for a fuller ceasefire. The Kremlin also said that a settlement with Ukraine should “eliminate the root causes of the crisis”.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump described the phone call with Putin as “was a very good and productive one”.
Following the phone call, a Kremlin statement said:
- Putin supports Russia and Ukraine stopping attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days
- Negotiations on the safety of shipping in the black sea will begin
- On March 19, Russia and Ukraine will exchange 175 prisoners of war.
- The Kremlin demands that during the 30-day ceasefire no more mobilisation or rearmament from Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Vlodomor Zelensky responded to the agreement, stating he supports the energy strike ceasefire. However, Zelensky insists Russia isn’t “ready” to end the war.
Featured Image Credit: Edward Jewsbury
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
