Putin Offers “Immediate” Ceasefire, But With a Condition: Zelensky Must Surrender

In a surprise statement delivered on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that he was prepared to order an “immediate” ceasefire in Ukraine. However, this offer came with a significant caveat: the Ukrainian government, under President Volodymyr Zelensky, must surrender unconditionally.

“We are ready to stop all military operations and withdraw our troops if Kyiv complies with our demands,” Putin stated, adding that these demands include Ukraine’s recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, the recognition of the “independence” of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and Ukraine’s commitment to neutrality and demilitarization.

This announcement follows weeks of intense fighting in Ukraine, with Russian forces facing fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders. The conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced and countless civilians killed.

Zelensky has categorically rejected any demands for surrender, calling Putin’s offer a “bluff” and a “propaganda move.” He has vowed to continue fighting for Ukraine’s freedom and independence, urging the international community to increase its support for the Ukrainian resistance.

The international community has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and imposed severe sanctions on the country. Many world leaders have expressed skepticism regarding Putin’s offer, seeing it as an attempt to pressure Ukraine into accepting a humiliating defeat.

The fate of the ceasefire offer remains uncertain. Whether Zelensky will ultimately accept Putin’s demands remains to be seen, but it is clear that the conflict in Ukraine is far from over.