The United States and Russia have made progress in their negotiations over a proposed ceasefire, according to US President Donald Trump. Trump stated that he expects to receive good news in the near future.
Earlier in the week, the US and Ukraine had proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which was presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday. Putin expressed a willingness to consider the proposal, but emphasized that many questions still needed to be addressed. Putin specifically mentioned the fate of Ukrainian troops currently surrounded in the Russian region of Kursk.
When asked if he was in direct negotiations with Putin, Trump replied, “Well, I don’t want to say, but we’re negotiating and I think it’s going somewhat well. As you know, we’ve had a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainians and we’re trying to achieve the same with Russia.”
Trump added, “On Monday, we’ll know a bit more and I hope it will be good news.”
Trump acknowledged that his earlier claim, made during the presidential campaign, that he could resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours was “a bit sardonic.” He explained that he meant to convey his intention to resolve the conflict and that he expected Putin’s support.
“I think I know him well, so I believe he will agree” Trump said.
Earlier, Trump had asked Putin to spare the lives of “thousands of Ukrainian troops” surrounded in the Russian region of Kursk. Putin agreed, but demanded that Kiev issue an order for its troops to lay down their arms.
“If they lay down their arms and surrender, we will treat them in accordance with international law” Putin said. However, Putin also referred to the Ukrainian troops in Kursk as having committed severe war crimes against the civilian population, which Russia has classified as terrorism.