President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States had “very good and productive” discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, raising hopes for a resolution but also highlighting ongoing challenges.
Trump’s remarks came after US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow on Thursday, fueling speculation about direct communication between the two leaders. However, the Kremlin clarified that while Putin expects to speak with Trump, no call has been scheduled yet.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “There is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end.”
He also claimed that thousands of Ukrainian troops were “completely surrounded by the Russian military,” a reference to Russian assertions about Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region—claims denied by Kyiv and independent analysts.
Putin’s demands and ceasefire uncertaintyPutin has signaled openness to a US-backed 30-day ceasefire but insists on addressing broader issues, including Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. He has also implied that Ukrainian troops in Kursk should surrender rather than withdraw, complicating negotiations.
“I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared,” Trump wrote.
Meanwhile, Russia has ramped up its military efforts, with Ukrainian officials reporting intensified attacks near the Sumy region. Authorities in Sumy ordered the evacuation of several villages on Friday, citing growing security concerns.
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'Could do things very bad for Russia': Trump warns Putin amid Ukraine ceasefire talksKremlin and US weigh next stepsKremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged “cautious optimism” about a settlement following recent diplomatic exchanges. He indicated that further discussions hinge on Witkoff’s debriefing of Trump and a potential follow-up call between Trump and Putin.
“Both sides understand that such a conversation is necessary,” Peskov said, signaling Moscow’s interest in continued negotiations.
While Trump’s administration appears eager to push for a ceasefire, Putin seems intent on extracting maximum concessions before agreeing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, arguing that Putin’s conditions were designed to stall rather than facilitate peace.
US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz echoed the Kremlin’s tone, saying there is “some cautious optimism” but acknowledging that both sides must make compromises.
With Ukraine’s agreement to the ceasefire proposal contingent on Russia’s participation, the coming days could determine whether diplomacy moves forward—or if the war grinds on with no resolution in sight.
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