In brief
After a meeting in Moscow, the US claims productive dialogue with Russia, though Ukrainian President Zelensky expresses skepticism.
US President Donald Trump has hailed talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "good and productive," suggesting new hope for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. This came after a meeting in Moscow, where US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin exchanged information while discussing the US's cautious optimism about peace. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated there is a "very good chance" to end the "horrible, bloody war," in stark contrast to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's concerns that Russia desires to prolong the fighting and will "reject" ceasefire proposals. Zelensky criticized Russia for complicating negotiations and indicated that Putin's actions signal a willingness to delay agreements rather than accept a ceasefire outright. While Ukraine has tentatively accepted a US-proposed ceasefire, Russia's agreement is still pending, leaving the peace process in limbo. A White House spokesperson reinforced the notion of progress, citing the meetings in Moscow as "productive" and highlighting Trump's influence in pushing for a resolution. Trump also urged Putin to spare Ukrainian troops trapped in Kursk, warning of potential massacres. Meanwhile, G7 nations are in discussions regarding the US ceasefire proposal, with UK officials calling for a no-conditions ceasefire. The situation remains tense, as the world watches for Russia’s next move amid escalating calls for peace.
