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US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism regarding recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning a proposed ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, characterizing the talks as “good and productive”.
These comments emerged following a meeting in Moscow between Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff. Reports indicate that during this encounter, they exchanged views and acknowledged a sense of “cautious optimism” from the US regarding potential steps towards a peaceful resolution.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump remarked that the discussions provide “a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end”.
Conversely, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that indications from Putin suggest a continued commitment to the conflict rather than a genuine move towards a ceasefire.
“Putin cannot exit this war because that would leave him with nothing,” Zelensky articulated in a message on social media platform X.
He further accused Putin of attempting to undermine diplomatic efforts by imposing unreasonable and extreme conditions even before any agreement on a ceasefire could occur.
Zelensky expressed concern that Putin aims to prolong negotiations indefinitely, which could lead to wasteful stalemates while ongoing violence continues to harm civilians.
“Every condition Putin puts forward is just an attempt to block any diplomacy. This is how Russia works. And we warned about this,” he stated.
In a recent address, Zelensky claimed that Putin is likely to refuse a ceasefire while not outright stating his denial.
Earlier in the week, Ukraine agreed to the US-proposed ceasefire terms, but Russia has yet to provide its consent.
Zelensky noted that immediate steps such as the “exchange of prisoners and an unconditional 30-day full interim ceasefire could significantly bring us closer to a just and lasting peace”.
Despite the tensions, the White House has suggested that both parties may be on the verge of a breakthrough towards peace.
During a briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the discussions between Putin and Witkoff as “productive”.
Leavitt also noted that Trump has been active in urging Putin and the Russian leadership to take constructive action.
In his social media update, Trump called on Putin to protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers encircled by Russian military forces in Kursk, highlighting the potential for a “horrible massacre” reminiscent of past global conflicts.
The region of Kursk was captured by Ukraine last year, but Russia now asserts control, claiming to have regained significant territory there. As of Friday, the Russian defense ministry reported the recovery of 28 sections within Kursk.
As discussions unfold, G7 representatives are convening in Quebec, where host Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that all members are in alignment with the US’s ceasefire initiative, which is also backed by Ukraine.
Joly asserted, “We are now studying and looking at Russian reactions, so ultimately the ball is now in Russia’s court when it comes to Ukraine.”
Following these meetings, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the G7’s unified call for an unconditional ceasefire.
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