US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold a telephone conversation next week, according to Steve Witkoff, the US President’s Special Envoy. Witkoff, who recently met with Putin in Moscow, described the discussion as positive and confirmed that the US continues to engage with Ukraine.
Speaking live on CNN, Witkoff stated that the conversation between the two leaders is scheduled for the coming days and that diplomatic engagement with Ukraine remains ongoing. His meeting with Putin, which lasted approximately four hours, was focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for a ceasefire.
Witkoff’s visit to Moscow on 13 March followed earlier discussions between US and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, where ceasefire options were reportedly considered. After the Moscow meeting, reports emerged that Putin had sent additional signals to Trump regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, no details have been disclosed about Russia’s conditions or the US administration’s response.
Ukraine has repeatedly stated that any ceasefire must be based on Russia’s full withdrawal from occupied territories. Previous Russian proposals have been met with scepticism, as ceasefires have often been used by Moscow to regroup its forces. The upcoming conversation between Trump and Putin raises concerns that Washington may be considering a deal that does not fully align with Ukraine’s strategic goals.
The response from Kyiv remains cautious, as Ukrainian officials continue to emphasise that negotiations with Moscow should not result in concessions that benefit Russia’s war efforts. With fighting still intense on the frontlines, Ukrainian leaders have called on the US and other allies to prioritise military support over uncertain diplomatic agreements.
