In brief
In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin held a meeting with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, on Thursday in Moscow to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting indicates Russia's readiness to maintain communications with the United States regarding a potential cease-fire. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov expressed a sense of "cautious optimism" about the resolution of the conflict, in light of increasing diplomatic engagements. Peskov's statements echoed a similar sentiment from Michael Waltz, national security adviser to President Trump.
During the same press briefing, Putin mentioned that, while he is open to the recently proposed 30-day truce by Ukraine and the U.S., he intends to negotiate various issues related to military aid to Ukraine, which could complicate or delay a settlement. Peskov noted that Mr. Witkoff provided the Russian delegation with additional insights and that Putin conveyed further information and signals intended for President Trump.However, Peskov cautioned that the final conclusions from this diplomatic endeavor would be clearer only after Witkoff updates President Trump and following a scheduled phone call between the two leaders—last held on February 12—still awaiting confirmation of timing.
