Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the possibility of a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Putin requested Witkoff to convey Moscow’s detailed thoughts on the proposal to the U.S., indicating support in principle but highlighting numerous specifics that need addressing. In a recent news conference, Putin expressed this stance and emphasized the necessity for clarity in several areas before any agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that discussions with Putin had been positive and productive. On Friday, he shared on his Truth Social platform that there is a strong possibility that the devastating conflict could finally reach a conclusion. Ukraine has already shown support for the truce proposal amid growing military struggles on the front line. However, analysts suggest that with Russia gaining ground, Putin might hesitate to finalize a ceasefire, believing in his current advantageous position.
Reports indicate that Russian forces, along with North Korean troops, are nearing complete control over Ukraine’s presence in the Russia-bordering Kursk region, a potential significant setback for Kyiv. Trump mentioned the entrapment of numerous Ukrainian troops in this area, urging Putin to spare their lives. Putin, on the other hand, has indicated willingness to consider this request if Ukrainian forces surrender in Kursk.
The Ukrainian military, however, refuted claims of their forces being encircled, dismissing them as political strategies devised by Russia to manipulate the narrative. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that after Witkoff returns with Moscow’s responses, there could potentially be a phone call between Putin and Trump to finalize ceasefire details. He expressed a tempered optimism about the developments, asserting a mutual understanding of the necessity for further discussion.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a Group of Seven meeting, echoed this sentiment with cautious optimism. The Trump administration plans to comprehensively assess Witkoff’s discussions with Putin over the weekend. Although no immediate ceasefire was reached, progress seems to have been made towards possibly ending the conflict.
Officials in the U.S. anticipate convening next week to tackle technicalities surrounding a potential ceasefire. The dialogue appears complex, encompassing a wide range of interests and contested demands from both Moscow and Kyiv, which might prolong the conflict resolution process.
Differing timelines for peace have been proposed by Trump, who shifted from a promise of a swift settlement to a broader six-month timeframe. His administration’s approach marks a significant departure from the previous one that took a hard-line stance against Putin’s Russia. During a recent address, Trump suggested a tricky geopolitical stance, indirectly suggesting Ukraine’s culpability in the initial invasion.
His administration has hinted at possible punitive actions for non-compliance from either Russia or Ukraine towards the peace initiative. A temporary suspension of military aid by the U.S. to pressure Kyiv towards negotiations was notable, amid tensions during meetings between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In potential sanctions discussions, Trump’s team has shown a willingness to align with some Kremlin perspectives, especially concerning NATO expansion and territorial disputes. Meanwhile, responsive action by Russian air defenses against Ukrainian drone assaults over Moscow was reported, resulting in minor property damage but no casualties.