What will be litmus test for Putin’s decision on 30-day ceasefire? Political expert predicts

He made this statement during a broadcast on Espreso TV.

"In the end, Putin will be ready to adhere to the ceasefire. However, at this moment, following the usual playbook, he could not immediately accept the proposals made in Jeddah. Putin wants to show the world and his own people how powerful he is and how much he can decide," Denysenko remarked.

According to the political expert, the ball is now in the U.S. court. It is significant that just yesterday, reports emerged about strengthened sanctions. In the coming days, we will hear strong statements from U.S. officials (not just from Trump) regarding the imposition of sanctions against Russia if it does not agree to clear and acceptable terms.

"We need to wait until the evening to see whether a phone call between Trump and Putin will take place. This will be the real litmus test of whether Putin’s demands are acceptable or not.

If the call happens, it means Trump sees a real opportunity to reach a 30-day ceasefire in the near future. If not, then we will see a carrot-and-stick strategy. We know that March 27 is when Biden’s sanctions take effect, which could cut Russian oil exports by 15%. That is the 'stick' already in Trump's hands. But the main test remains whether the Trump-Putin call happens," Denysenko emphasized.

• On March 11 in Jeddah, a meeting between Ukrainian and American delegations took place. As a result, Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, while the U.S. committed to resuming intelligence sharing and security assistance.
• Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the 30-day ceasefire agreement serves as a temporary respite for Ukrainian forces.
• Meanwhile, the Kremlin leader declared that Russia agrees to the ceasefire proposal, but emphasized that "it must lead to a lasting peace."
• On March 13, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Putin’s ceasefire proposal, saying it was not complete.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin is effectively preparing to reject the ceasefire proposal.
• Military serviceman and political analyst Kyrylo Sazonov believes that Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe will continue to pressure Russia into accepting peace.
• Meanwhile, Serhiy Zgurets, director of the Defense Express information and consulting firm, suggested that Russia will try to manipulate the U.S., prolonging negotiations and presenting various arguments to continue discussions.