The White House has expressed its expectation that Russia will contribute to a solution to the conflict in Ukraine. Karoline Leavitt, the administration's spokesperson, noted that they are at a crucial stage and that President Trump expects cooperation from the Russians.
The Kremlin has announced a meeting between Russian representatives and special envoys of Donald Trump to discuss a ceasefire proposal accepted by Ukraine. The purpose of this ceasefire, as indicated, would be to allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and recover, not as a basis for lasting peace.
Yuri Ushakov, international advisor to the Kremlin, reiterated Russia's position of seeking a lasting peaceful resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire. He also expressed that he conveyed this message to U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that no decision has yet been made about the ceasefire, and that President Putin may address this issue at a press conference. Peskov also hinted at the possibility that Putin may have other meetings besides the one planned with the Belarusian president.
Talks between Russia and the United States are expected to address both the conflict in Ukraine and the normalization of bilateral relations. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Moscow to participate in these negotiations.
For its part, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, indicated that an additional meeting could take place. The specific details of the talks will depend on the outcomes of Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia and discussions held by Ushakov and Waltz.
