Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the United States envoy, Steve Witkoff, to deliberate on the proposed 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The Russian leader urged Witkoff to relay Moscow’s position on the matter to Washington, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
During the meeting on Thursday night, Putin provided Witkoff with additional messages for U.S. President Donald Trump. While expressing general support for the truce, Putin highlighted several elements that need further clarification before reaching a consensus. This development follows a news conference where the Russian leader articulated his stance.
President Trump characterized the discussions with Putin as “very good and productive.” On his Truth Social site, Trump indicated optimism about the possibility of ending the “horrible, bloody war,” remarking that Ukrainian forces are currently encircled by Russian troops.
Ukraine, facing intense military pressure across parts of the front line three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, has already accepted the ceasefire proposal. Russia’s military is gaining ground, supported by North Korean allies, particularly near Ukraine’s position in Russia’s Kursk border region, which could deliver a crucial blow to Kyiv.
A potential telephone conversation between Putin and Trump might be organized following Witkoff’s conveyance of messages to Washington, Peskov revealed. “Both parties believe such a call is essential,” noted Peskov.
Dmitry Peskov expressed a modicum of optimism regarding the ceasefire, stating, “There’s some room for cautious hope. Significant work remains, yet the president has aligned himself with President Trump’s stance.”
U.S. officials have prepared to address the technicalities of the potential ceasefire in upcoming discussions. Given the breadth of topics and the stark discrepancies between Moscow’s and Kyiv’s demands, it may take considerable time before a ceasefire might be implemented.
Throughout his campaign, Trump pledged to resolve the conflict within 24 hours, only to later adjust his forecast, suggesting a peace agreement could be attainable within six months.
Putin’s seemingly friendly approach towards the White House underscores a notable alteration in U.S. relations with Russia and Ukraine since Trump’s return to office in January. This marks a shift from Former President Joe Biden’s strategy to isolate Putin.
Trump has issued warnings to both Russia and Ukraine, threatening sanctions unless they actively engage in his peace initiatives. Furthermore, Trump momentarily halted critical military support and intelligence cooperation as a tactic to compel Kyiv towards peace negotiations. Subsequently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was involved in a tense discussion at the White House on February 28, where Trump questioned Ukraine’s commitment to ending the conflict.
Trump has also contemplated intensifying sanctions on Russia. Simultaneously, his administration has shown a tendency to adopt Kremlin perspectives on the conflict, such as arguing that Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO are unlikely, and the prospect of reclaiming occupied territories remains dim, accounting for nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s land.
In a related incident, Russian air defenses intercepted four Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow early on Friday, as confirmed by the city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin. One drone inflicted damage on the roof of a residential building close to the Kremlin, while other buildings sustained minor damage from drone debris, though there were no reported injuries.
