Trump and Putin Expected to Discuss Ceasefire Negotiations This Week

U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin are expected to discuss ceasefire negotiations this week for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While a 30-day ceasefire deal is supported by Ukraine, Putin has reservations about enforcement. Envoy Witkoff expresses optimism about potential resolution and outlines the international community’s readiness to assist.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to talk this week in light of the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as stated by special envoy Steve Witkoff. While Putin has expressed support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire by U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, he has yet to formally agree to the deal. Last week, Ukraine confirmed its support for the agreement.

Witkoff mentioned that the anticipated call between Trump and Putin is part of ongoing communications with Ukrainian leaders. He highlighted Putin’s reservations about the ceasefire, particularly regarding its enforcement and implications for Ukraine’s military rebuilding. France and the UK are poised to deploy peacekeeping troops, contingent upon U.S. support.

Putin has repeatedly emphasized resolving the “root causes” of the war, which he associates with NATO’s eastward expansion and concerns over Ukrainian sovereignty. He indicated that discussions around any ceasefire must also address the cessation of Western arms supplies to Ukraine. Witkoff described his recent talks with Putin as positive and solution-focused, though he refrained from detailing specific negotiation conditions.

Witkoff expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire and anticipated a constructive dialogue during the Trump-Putin call. Trump indicated via social media his belief that the ongoing conflict could soon conclude, stating he has urged Putin to spare Ukrainian troops under pressure.

If the meeting occurs, it will be the second publicized conversation between Trump and Putin since Trump’s re-election. Last month, they discussed the ongoing violence in Ukraine. During a recent congressional address, Trump revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a letter thanking him for U.S. support and proposed negotiations over Ukrainian natural resources following previous tensions in the Oval Office over the U.S.’s assistance.

The upcoming call between Presidents Trump and Putin is a pivotal moment in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. While Putin has expressed support for a ceasefire deal, reservations about enforcement and military implications remain. Witkoff’s positive outlook on the discussions signals potential progress, with ongoing efforts to address the underlying causes of the conflict. The international community, including France and the UK, is positioned to assist under U.S. leadership, hinting at a multifaceted diplomatic approach to resolving the war.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com