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Upcoming Discussion Between Trump and Putin on Ceasefire Negotiations

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to engage in discussions this week as the U.S. continues its efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This announcement comes from Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

This forthcoming dialogue marks the second disclosed conversation between the two leaders since Trump resumed his presidency in January. Their initial interaction occurred in February, leading to an agreement to initiate high-level discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming conversation, stating, “I think the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week,” during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

During his recent visit to Russia, Witkoff met with Putin to focus on the resolution of the invasion of Ukraine. He conveyed his belief that a significant agreement might emerge soon from these discussions. “The president uses the timeframe weeks, and I don’t disagree with him. I am really hopeful that we are going to see some real progress here,” he noted.

Later, during an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Witkoff reiterated the anticipation of a call between Trump and Putin but refrained from providing details on potential outcomes of their discussion.

Witkoff reflected on the rapport developed during Trump’s initial term, expecting the upcoming call to yield “very positive and constructive” results.

The prior conversation between Trump and Putin took place shortly after Witkoff visited Russia to secure the release of Marc Fogel, an American educator that the U.S. deemed wrongfully detained.

Following the prisoner exchange, Trump remarked on the length and productivity of his conversation with Putin.

Witkoff did not confirm whether the forthcoming dialogue would lead to the advancement of a proposed U.S.-led 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted, and Putin has indicated a willingness to consider in principle, though further details still need to be resolved.

“President Trump is the ultimate decision maker, our decision maker, and President Putin, for the country of Russia, is their decision maker,” Witkoff said, providing an optimistic interpretation of the impending discussion. “I think it’s a very positive sign that the two of them will be talking at some point. I think that’s showing that there’s positive momentum.”

Witkoff also responded to comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who asserted that Russia appears disinterested in genuine peace and is ramping up military actions prior to engaging in negotiations.

Witkoff stated he was unaware of Macron’s remarks but characterized such assessments as unexpected when not based on firsthand insight. “I know what I heard, the body language I witnessed,” he remarked regarding his conversation with Putin. “I saw a constructive effort, over a long period of time to discuss the specifics of what’s going on in the field.”

Source
abcnews.go.com