Following a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, President Vladimir Putin expressed cautious optimism regarding a cease-fire in Ukraine. However, he emphasized the need to negotiate various issues linked to the conflict before agreeing to the truce.
Diplomatic Dialogues: Putin Meets U.S. Envoy Amid Cease-Fire Talks
Diplomatic Dialogues: Putin Meets U.S. Envoy Amid Cease-Fire Talks
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and a potential cease-fire initiative.
In a significant diplomatic move, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia sat down with Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy, late Thursday in Moscow, marking a potential shift in negotiations aimed at achieving a cease-fire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov indicated to reporters on Friday that there was "certainly" room for "cautious optimism" regarding a resolution to the war, reinforcing similar optimism articulated by Michael Waltz, National Security Adviser to U.S. President Trump.
Despite the positive tone following the recent diplomatic engagements, Putin showcased a measured approach toward embracing the proposed 30-day truce suggested by Ukraine and the United States earlier this week. During a news conference, Putin acknowledged the U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal but hinted at his intention to address a range of issues—particularly the matter of Western weapons supplies to Ukraine—which could complicate or delay any final agreement.
Following the talks, Peskov remarked that Witkoff shared additional insights with the Russian delegation and that Putin transmitted various messages and signals intended for President Trump. Nevertheless, the specifics of the diplomatic exchanges are expected to crystallize only after Witkoff provides an update to Trump and a phone call between the U.S. and Russian leaders occurs. The timing of this key phone call, last conducted on February 12, remains unannounced.
Despite the positive tone following the recent diplomatic engagements, Putin showcased a measured approach toward embracing the proposed 30-day truce suggested by Ukraine and the United States earlier this week. During a news conference, Putin acknowledged the U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal but hinted at his intention to address a range of issues—particularly the matter of Western weapons supplies to Ukraine—which could complicate or delay any final agreement.
Following the talks, Peskov remarked that Witkoff shared additional insights with the Russian delegation and that Putin transmitted various messages and signals intended for President Trump. Nevertheless, the specifics of the diplomatic exchanges are expected to crystallize only after Witkoff provides an update to Trump and a phone call between the U.S. and Russian leaders occurs. The timing of this key phone call, last conducted on February 12, remains unannounced.
