Is Putin waiting for Trump? The Kremlin has delayed crucial ceasefire talks while sending “additional signals” to the president, sparking speculation about Russia’s strategic patience and faith in Trump’s dealmaking abilities. He wants to talk to Trump directly. This would never have happened under Biden.
At a glance:
• Russian President Vladimir Putin sent “additional signals” to U.S. President Donald Trump through envoy Steve Witkoff
• Putin and Witkoff discussed a 30-day ceasefire proposal in Russia’s war on Ukraine
• A call between Trump and Putin is planned, but the timing is not yet set
• Russia appears reluctant to accept the ceasefire terms proposed by the U.S. and Ukraine
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Putin of manipulating the situation and deliberately stalling peace efforts
Putin Communicates Directly With Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent “additional signals” to President Donald Trump through real estate developer Steve Witkoff. The communication comes amid discussions about a potential 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which the Biden administration had been pushing for in talks held in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the exchange, revealing that “additional information was provided to the Russian side” and that “through Witkoff, Putin also passed information and additional signals to Trump.” This direct line of communication highlights Putin’s apparent preference for dealing with Trump rather than the current administration.
Russia Shows Reluctance While Signaling Openness to Trump’s Peace Efforts
While expressing “cautious optimism” about the ceasefire discussions, Russia appears to be strategically delaying any concrete commitments. Peskov stated that “there is certainly reason to be cautiously optimistic,” but Putin’s actual response suggests he’s setting conditions that Ukraine is unlikely to accept.
“I would like to emphasize that if they lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and decent treatment in accordance with international law and the laws of the Russian Federation,” Putin said regarding Ukrainian forces. This statement demonstrates Russia’s unwillingness to make significant concessions while presenting an appearance of reasonableness.
Trump has prioritized ending the costly conflict, highlighting both the financial burden on American taxpayers and the tremendous loss of life. The President praised Witkoff’s discussions with Putin and even requested that Putin spare the lives of Ukrainian troops reportedly surrounded by Russian forces.
Ukraine Accuses Putin of Manipulative Tactics and Bad Faith
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized Putin’s response to the ceasefire proposal, calling it “highly predictable and manipulative.” Zelenskyy believes Putin is deliberately setting up the ceasefire initiative for failure or prolonging discussions indefinitely.
“Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy stated. “That’s why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions that it either fails or gets dragged out for as long as possible.”
The Ukrainian military has also rejected Russia’s claims that Ukrainian forces are surrounded, dismissing these reports as false. Meanwhile, Putin has suggested creating a “security zone” in captured Ukrainian territory, which represents another potential obstacle to meaningful peace talks.
With a potential Trump-Putin call on the horizon, the international community watches closely as Russia continues its strategic delay.
Trump said he’d get peace, and it looks like he’s nearly there.
