Trump Expresses Desire to Have Meeting With Putin
The Russian president has shown a willingness to engage in discussions about a US-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine with his American counterpart. US President Donald Trump has indicated his readiness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin,...
TroibNews 
The Russian president has shown a willingness to engage in discussions about a US-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine with his American counterpart.
US President Donald Trump has indicated his readiness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following Putin's statement that Moscow is open to considering a ceasefire in Ukraine while also expressing concerns regarding its implementation.
During a recent address, the Russian president endorsed the idea of a potential 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict but cautioned about possible loopholes and strategic disadvantages, highlighting Moscow’s apprehensions about enforcing such a truce.
“[Putin] put out a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete. And, yeah, I’d love to meet with him or talk to him,” Trump remarked at a press conference alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte later that day.
Trump noted that discussions regarding a “final agreement” with Ukraine have already taken place, and the US is now waiting to determine “whether or not Russia is there.”
“We’ve been discussing land with Ukraine… pieces of land that would be kept and lost and all of the other elements of a final agreement. You know, we’ve been discussing concepts of land because you don’t want to waste time with a ceasefire if it’s not going to mean anything,” Trump said. “They discussed NATO and being in NATO, and everybody knows what the answer to that is. They’ve known that answer for 40 years, in all fairness.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow on Thursday to discuss the outcomes of US-Ukraine talks held in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week and to convey Moscow’s position back to Washington. Witkoff was also expected to meet with Putin privately that evening, though officials have yet to confirm whether the meeting took place or provide details regarding his other discussions during the short visit.
Earlier, Putin indicated that Russian forces are advancing along nearly 2,000 kilometers of the front line and warned that a halt in military operations could disrupt their momentum, allowing Ukrainian troops time to regroup.
“These 30 days – how will they be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To receive more arms supplies? To train newly mobilized units?” Putin inquired. He added that enforcing a ceasefire across such an extensive battlefield would present considerable challenges and that violations could quickly lead to mutual blame between the two sides.
Additionally, Putin stated that Ukrainian troops who had invaded Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024 are now isolated. “Are we supposed to let them out after they committed mass war crimes against civilians?” he asked.
The Russian leader emphasized that further direct discussions with Trump would be essential to identify a workable solution; however, officials have not confirmed any specific timeline for such talks.
Thomas Evans contributed to this article for TROIB News
US President Donald Trump has indicated his readiness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following Putin's statement that Moscow is open to considering a ceasefire in Ukraine while also expressing concerns regarding its implementation.
During a recent address, the Russian president endorsed the idea of a potential 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict but cautioned about possible loopholes and strategic disadvantages, highlighting Moscow’s apprehensions about enforcing such a truce.
“[Putin] put out a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete. And, yeah, I’d love to meet with him or talk to him,” Trump remarked at a press conference alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte later that day.
Trump noted that discussions regarding a “final agreement” with Ukraine have already taken place, and the US is now waiting to determine “whether or not Russia is there.”
“We’ve been discussing land with Ukraine… pieces of land that would be kept and lost and all of the other elements of a final agreement. You know, we’ve been discussing concepts of land because you don’t want to waste time with a ceasefire if it’s not going to mean anything,” Trump said. “They discussed NATO and being in NATO, and everybody knows what the answer to that is. They’ve known that answer for 40 years, in all fairness.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow on Thursday to discuss the outcomes of US-Ukraine talks held in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week and to convey Moscow’s position back to Washington. Witkoff was also expected to meet with Putin privately that evening, though officials have yet to confirm whether the meeting took place or provide details regarding his other discussions during the short visit.
Earlier, Putin indicated that Russian forces are advancing along nearly 2,000 kilometers of the front line and warned that a halt in military operations could disrupt their momentum, allowing Ukrainian troops time to regroup.
“These 30 days – how will they be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To receive more arms supplies? To train newly mobilized units?” Putin inquired. He added that enforcing a ceasefire across such an extensive battlefield would present considerable challenges and that violations could quickly lead to mutual blame between the two sides.
Additionally, Putin stated that Ukrainian troops who had invaded Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024 are now isolated. “Are we supposed to let them out after they committed mass war crimes against civilians?” he asked.
The Russian leader emphasized that further direct discussions with Trump would be essential to identify a workable solution; however, officials have not confirmed any specific timeline for such talks.
Thomas Evans contributed to this article for TROIB News
