Trump confirms talks with Putin on Ukraine

The US president stated that the discussion centered on ending the conflict

US President Donald Trump has confirmed Washington’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday about ending the Ukraine conflict. However, Trump’s announcement on Truth Social caused confusion, making it seem like he spoke to Putin personally.

The White House later clarified that US special envoy Steve Witkoff spoke to the Russian president while visiting Moscow.

In his post, the US president praised the discussions but raised concerns over the thousands of Ukrainian troops trapped by Russian forces in Kursk Region, and urged Putin to allow them safe passage. He concluded his message with a plea for their survival and a prayer.

“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end — BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION. I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!” Trump wrote.

On Thursday, Putin responded to the US proposal of a 30-day ceasefire, reached with Ukrainian officials earlier this week. He stated that Russia is open to discussing the initiative but that the conditions must be clearly defined. The Russian president had previously stated that Moscow is unwilling to accept short-term pauses but remains ready to address the underlying causes of the conflict. 

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“These 30 days — how will they be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To receive more arms supplies? To train newly mobilized units? Or will none of this happen?” the Russian president asked.

Putin also mentioned that Ukrainian troops who invaded Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024 are now cut off and that it is unclear what is to be done with them in the event of a truce.

“Are we supposed to let them out, after they committed mass war crimes against civilians? Will the Ukrainian leadership tell them to lay down their arms, and just surrender?” Putin said.

According to the head of the Russian General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, Moscow’s forces have regained control of 86% of the territory that was occupied by Ukraine in August 2024. The remaining Ukrainian units in the area have largely been “encircled” and “isolated,” he stated on Wednesday.