Putin Expresses Cautious Optimism Over Potential Cease-Fire Negotiations

In a significant diplomatic move, President Vladimir Putin has met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the potential for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signaling a possible shift in negotiations.

In a recent press conference, President Vladimir V. Putin acknowledged a meeting with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, expressing a willingness to consider the U.S.-endorsed cease-fire proposal regarding the Ukrainian conflict. Dmitri S. Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, conveyed a sense of "cautious optimism" for a potential resolution following intensive diplomatic discussions. This sentiment was echoed by Michael Waltz, national security adviser under President Trump, who shared his positivity after Thursday's talks.

While Putin showed openness to the 30-day truce proposed by Ukraine and the U.S., he emphasized the need to negotiate numerous contentious issues, particularly focusing on the subject of Western arms supplies to Ukraine. These discussions, however, could complicate or even impede reaching an agreement at this stage.

Peskov stated that Witkoff had supplied the Russian side with fresh insights, and Putin had conveyed additional messages intended for President Trump. The mechanics of the diplomatic dialogue will unfold further after Witkoff briefs Trump, with the timeline for a subsequent call between Trump and Putin remaining unclear. Their last conversation occurred on February 12, highlighting the lengthy interval since direct communication between the two leaders.