Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that Moscow will halt the use of a ceasefire agreement covering energy infrastructure attacks unless Ukraine strictly adheres to it.
Putin also stated that if his negotiators conclude that a full 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States is not feasible, Russia will proceed with what he described as the “complete defeat” of Ukrainian forces.
The Russian leader made these remarks during a visit to a naval base in the Murmansk region of the Arctic, following a call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
In a televised statement, Putin said that the ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks was proposed by Trump. He claimed that Ukraine violated it by striking Russian energy targets, while insisting that Russia had adhered to it.
Putin expressed support for the U.S. ceasefire proposal, which calls for a 30-day halt in fighting, but said there were “nuances” regarding its enforcement, particularly concerning the situation in the Kursk region. He warned that Russia would only cease military operations if Ukraine stops mobilizing and rearming.
“We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities,” Putin said. “But we proceed from the fact that the cessation of hostilities should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of this crisis.”
He noted that the ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks was discussed during his call with Trump, but said Russia would not extend it if Ukraine continues to violate it.
Ukraine has accused Russia of repeatedly striking its energy grid since the conflict began, while Russia has denied targeting civilian infrastructure. Putin’s remarks come as both sides continue to exchange accusations over ceasefire violations.
Murmansk region
The Murmansk region, located in northwestern Russia on the Kola Peninsula, is known for its Arctic climate and strategic importance. Its history is shaped by the development of the port city of Murmansk, founded in 1916 during World War I to secure Allied supply routes, and it later became a key Soviet naval base during the Cold War. Today, the region is notable for its role in Arctic shipping, mining, and as the home of the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet.
Arctic
The Arctic is a vast, icy region surrounding the North Pole, encompassing parts of several countries including Canada, Russia, and Greenland. Its history is marked by Indigenous peoples like the Inuit, who have thrived there for millennia, and by later European exploration during the search for the Northwest Passage. Today, it is a critical area for climate change research and is home to unique wildlife such as polar bears and narwhals.
Kursk region
The Kursk region, located in western Russia, has a rich history as a key frontier territory and agricultural hub. It is best known for the Battle of Kursk in 1943, one of the largest tank battles in history during World War II, which marked a turning point on the Eastern Front. Today, the region is also famous for the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly, one of the world’s largest iron ore deposits, and its cultural heritage includes traditional folk crafts and historic sites like the Korennaya Hermitage.
Murmansk region
The Murmansk region, located in the far northwest of Russia on the Kola Peninsula, is known for its Arctic climate and strategic importance as the home of the ice-free port of Murmansk. Founded during World War I to secure Allied supply routes, the city later played a crucial role in World War II as a key destination for Arctic convoys. Today, the region is a center for fishing, mining, and nuclear icebreaker operations, and it remains a gateway to the Russian Arctic.
Arctic
The Arctic is a vast, icy region surrounding the North Pole, encompassing parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, and several other nations. Its history includes millennia of Indigenous habitation by peoples like the Inuit and Sámi, followed by European exploration from the 16th century onward, seeking trade routes and scientific knowledge. Today, the Arctic is a critical area for climate change research and geopolitical interest due to its melting ice and untapped resources.
Kursk region
The Kursk region in western Russia is historically significant for the Battle of Kursk in 1943, one of the largest tank battles in history during World War II, which marked a turning point on the Eastern Front. The area is also known for the Kursk Root Icon of the Sign, a revered religious relic, and its agricultural and industrial contributions. Today, the region is a mix of rural landscapes and urban centers, with Kursk city serving as its cultural and administrative hub.
Kola Peninsula
The Kola Peninsula is a large, rugged region in northwestern Russia, located above the Arctic Circle. Its history includes ancient Sami habitation, strategic importance during World War II due to its naval bases and ports, and significant Soviet-era industrial development focused on mining and metallurgy. Today, it is known for its stark tundra landscapes, the northern lights, and the city of Murmansk, a major Arctic port.
North Pole
The North Pole is the northernmost point on Earth, located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. Unlike the South Pole, it is not on a landmass but on constantly shifting sea ice, making it a challenging destination for explorers. Historically, the first confirmed expedition to reach the North Pole is credited to Robert Peary in 1909, though this claim has been debated.
Northwest Passage
The Northwest Passage is a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America. For centuries, explorers sought this elusive passage as a potential trade shortcut, with many failed expeditions, including the tragic 1845 Franklin Expedition. Due to climate change, the route is becoming increasingly ice-free, opening new possibilities for shipping and raising geopolitical interest.
