Trump discusses Ukraine ceasefire talks with Russia
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is engaged in serious discussions with Russia regarding the end of the war in Ukraine.
"Hopefully, they will act responsibly," Trump told reporters during a meeting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as reported by Reuters.
The U.S. President also expressed his belief that Russia will not attack U.S. allies. "That will not happen. We will make sure of it," Trump declared.
According to Politico, citing the Russian state newspaper Izvestia, Witkoff was scheduled to meet with President Putin on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that Russia agrees with a proposal to cease hostilities, but it should result in a "sustainable peace."
"We agree with the proposal to cease hostilities, but it must lead to a sustainable peace and address the root causes of this crisis," he said. Putin further asserted that Ukraine should have insisted on arranging a meeting with the U.S., similar to the one held in Saudi Arabia, given the situation on the ground.
It is important to note that President Vladimir Putin has expressed agreement with a ceasefire in Ukraine but emphasized that it must ensure long-term peace and resolve the underlying causes of the conflict. The Kremlin leader also stated that he supports the idea of a 30-day truce, "but there are some important caveats."
In particular, he opposes Ukraine continuing the forced mobilization of soldiers and receiving military aid in the coming period. This statement was made on Thursday, March 13, in Minsk, during a joint press conference with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
