US, Russia hold ‘productive’ talks on Ukraine ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has described talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine as “good and productive.”
The discussions took place in Moscow on Thursday between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, with the Kremlin expressing “cautious optimism” about a potential peace process. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the talks provided “a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end.”
Despite this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of prolonging negotiations to continue the war, calling the Russian leader’s conditions for peace “manipulative.” He warned that Putin would “drag everyone into endless discussions” while continuing military aggression.
The US-backed ceasefire plan was accepted by Ukraine earlier this week, but Russia has yet to agree. Putin acknowledged the ceasefire proposal as “right” but insisted on “nuances” that include stringent conditions for peace.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized Putin’s stance, stating that the Kremlin’s actions showed a “complete disregard” for serious peace efforts. He emphasized the need for monitoring any ceasefire to ensure its legitimacy. Starmer is set to hold a virtual meeting with 25 world leaders on Saturday to advance a peacekeeping mission proposed in London earlier this month.
The White House believes negotiations are closer to peace than ever before. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump has been “putting pressure on Putin and the Russians to do the right thing.”
Trump also urged Putin to spare the lives of Ukrainian troops allegedly surrounded by Russian forces, warning of a potential “horrible massacre.” However, Ukraine’s armed forces denied any such encirclement, calling it “false and fabricated.”
In response, Putin stated that Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk would be treated with “dignity” under Russian and international law if they surrendered.
Meanwhile, G7 foreign ministers met in Quebec, where Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly affirmed support for the US-proposed ceasefire. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reinforced calls for an unconditional ceasefire, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that negotiations remain the only way to end the war.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the pressure mounts on Russia to decide whether to move forward with a ceasefire or face increased economic and political consequences.
Credit: BBC
