Trump and Putin Set for Talks on Potential Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump aims to secure a 30-day ceasefire with Russian President Vladimir Putin as aerial assaults persist in Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump is anticipated to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week regarding efforts to conclude the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has continued for over three years.
The announcement follows a recent meeting in Moscow between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, which Witkoff characterized as productive.
Witkoff stated, "I expect that there will be a call with both presidents this week, and we’re also continuing to engage and have conversation with the Ukrainians." The U.S. is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukrainian officials accepted last week.
However, heavy aerial strikes have persisted, with reports indicating that Russian forces are making advancements to oust Ukrainian troops from their established positions in the Kursk region, which is located in western Russia.
In a recent social media post, Trump expressed optimism regarding the potential for ending the conflict, stating, "there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." He further indicated that he had made a request to Putin to spare Ukrainian soldiers during the current offensive in Kursk, to which Putin reportedly responded affirmatively, stipulating that he would adhere to Trump’s request if the troops capitulated.
The Kremlin also conveyed that Putin had communicated his ceasefire plan to Trump through Witkoff and expressed a sense of cautious optimism regarding the possibility of reaching a peace agreement.
During interviews on prominent Sunday news programs, Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz acknowledged the complexities involved in achieving a ceasefire and ultimately a peaceful resolution.
When questioned about the prospect of permitting Russia to retain parts of eastern Ukraine that it has seized, Waltz remarked about the necessity of practical considerations in the negotiations.
Rubio noted that any final peace agreement would entail significant concessions from both Russia and Ukraine, and highlighted the difficulties of initiating negotiations while hostilities continue.
In relation to the urgency for a ceasefire, Trump has warned of the potential for the conflict to escalate into a broader war.
Last week, his administration implemented measures aimed at fostering cooperation toward a ceasefire, including adjustments to roles for key officials involved in Ukraine and Russia negotiations.
Notably, the expiration of a license for U.S. energy transactions with Russian financial institutions has also raised tensions, increasing pressure on the Kremlin to reach an agreement regarding Ukraine.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department is reportedly considering sanctions targeting Russian oil companies and related service providers, reflecting an intensifying strategy similar to previous actions taken during the Biden administration.
The announcement follows a recent meeting in Moscow between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, which Witkoff characterized as productive.
Witkoff stated, "I expect that there will be a call with both presidents this week, and we’re also continuing to engage and have conversation with the Ukrainians." The U.S. is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukrainian officials accepted last week.
However, heavy aerial strikes have persisted, with reports indicating that Russian forces are making advancements to oust Ukrainian troops from their established positions in the Kursk region, which is located in western Russia.
In a recent social media post, Trump expressed optimism regarding the potential for ending the conflict, stating, "there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." He further indicated that he had made a request to Putin to spare Ukrainian soldiers during the current offensive in Kursk, to which Putin reportedly responded affirmatively, stipulating that he would adhere to Trump’s request if the troops capitulated.
The Kremlin also conveyed that Putin had communicated his ceasefire plan to Trump through Witkoff and expressed a sense of cautious optimism regarding the possibility of reaching a peace agreement.
During interviews on prominent Sunday news programs, Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz acknowledged the complexities involved in achieving a ceasefire and ultimately a peaceful resolution.
When questioned about the prospect of permitting Russia to retain parts of eastern Ukraine that it has seized, Waltz remarked about the necessity of practical considerations in the negotiations.
Rubio noted that any final peace agreement would entail significant concessions from both Russia and Ukraine, and highlighted the difficulties of initiating negotiations while hostilities continue.
In relation to the urgency for a ceasefire, Trump has warned of the potential for the conflict to escalate into a broader war.
Last week, his administration implemented measures aimed at fostering cooperation toward a ceasefire, including adjustments to roles for key officials involved in Ukraine and Russia negotiations.
Notably, the expiration of a license for U.S. energy transactions with Russian financial institutions has also raised tensions, increasing pressure on the Kremlin to reach an agreement regarding Ukraine.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department is reportedly considering sanctions targeting Russian oil companies and related service providers, reflecting an intensifying strategy similar to previous actions taken during the Biden administration.
