Trump acknowledges discussions with Putin regarding Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Washington engaged in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. However, Trump's announcement on Truth Social led to some confusion,...
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US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Washington engaged in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. However, Trump's announcement on Truth Social led to some confusion, suggesting he had a personal conversation with Putin.
The White House later clarified that the communication was actually between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian president during his visit to Moscow.
In his post, the president lauded the discussions while expressing concern for the thousands of Ukrainian troops surrounded by Russian forces in the Kursk Region, urging Putin to allow them safe passage. He concluded with a heartfelt plea for their survival and a prayer.
“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end — BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION. I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!” Trump wrote.
On the same day, Putin responded to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which was discussed with Ukrainian officials earlier in the week. He indicated that Russia is willing to consider the initiative but emphasized that the conditions must be explicitly defined. Previously, the Russian president highlighted Moscow’s reluctance to accept short-term pauses while expressing readiness to tackle the underlying issues of the conflict.
“These 30 days — how will they be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To receive more arms supplies? To train newly mobilized units? Or will none of this happen?” the Russian president questioned.
Putin also pointed out that Ukrainian troops who entered Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024 are now trapped and questioned the plan for these forces in case a truce is reached.
“Are we supposed to let them out, after they committed mass war crimes against civilians? Will the Ukrainian leadership tell them to lay down their arms, and just surrender?” Putin said.
According to General Valery Gerasimov, the head of the Russian General Staff, Moscow’s forces have regained control of 86% of the territory that was occupied by Ukraine in August 2024. He noted that the remaining Ukrainian units in the area are largely “encircled” and “isolated.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this article for TROIB News
The White House later clarified that the communication was actually between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian president during his visit to Moscow.
In his post, the president lauded the discussions while expressing concern for the thousands of Ukrainian troops surrounded by Russian forces in the Kursk Region, urging Putin to allow them safe passage. He concluded with a heartfelt plea for their survival and a prayer.
“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end — BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION. I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!” Trump wrote.
On the same day, Putin responded to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which was discussed with Ukrainian officials earlier in the week. He indicated that Russia is willing to consider the initiative but emphasized that the conditions must be explicitly defined. Previously, the Russian president highlighted Moscow’s reluctance to accept short-term pauses while expressing readiness to tackle the underlying issues of the conflict.
“These 30 days — how will they be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To receive more arms supplies? To train newly mobilized units? Or will none of this happen?” the Russian president questioned.
Putin also pointed out that Ukrainian troops who entered Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024 are now trapped and questioned the plan for these forces in case a truce is reached.
“Are we supposed to let them out, after they committed mass war crimes against civilians? Will the Ukrainian leadership tell them to lay down their arms, and just surrender?” Putin said.
According to General Valery Gerasimov, the head of the Russian General Staff, Moscow’s forces have regained control of 86% of the territory that was occupied by Ukraine in August 2024. He noted that the remaining Ukrainian units in the area are largely “encircled” and “isolated.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this article for TROIB News
