Trump Acknowledges Putins Ceasefire Proposal as Hopeful Yet Incomplete

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump commented that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made «a very promising statement» regarding a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, although he noted that «it wasn’t complete.»

This statement followed Putin’s expression of support for a 30-day ceasefire idea, complemented by concerns he wished to address directly with his U.S. counterpart.

«He issued a very encouraging statement, but it lacked completeness,» Trump told reporters at the White House, where he was meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte, in response to inquiries about Putin’s comments. «I would welcome the opportunity to meet him or discuss matters. However, we must resolve this [ceasefire agreement] swiftly.»

Trump noted that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow on Thursday for discussions concerning Ukraine and remarked that it would be «a very disappointing moment for the world» if Russia were to dismiss the peace proposal.

«A lot of key elements of a final agreement have already been on the table. Now we will see if Russia is willing to engage; if not, it will represent a significant letdown for the global community,» Trump stated.

He also hinted at the complexities of negotiations surrounding a longer-term peace following any ceasefire, including discussions on which territories Ukraine might cede to Russia.

Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

«We have not been operating blindly. We’ve been in talks with Ukraine about the territories to retain and those to give up,» he explained.

Trump mentioned that there was also «a very significant power plant in question—who will gain control over the power plant?»

While he did not specify the power plant or provide further details, it is noteworthy that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, is located at the conflict’s front lines and is Europe’s largest nuclear facility.

He emphasized that the negotiations were intricate since they were essentially «defining national borders.»

During negotiations in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, Ukraine accepted a U.S. initiative for a 30-day ceasefire, capitulating to pressure following a confrontation between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28.