Will Trump and Putin negotiate a Ukraine ceasefire? Here’s what we know

U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s remarks regarding a ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, describing them as “promising” yet “not complete.” The comments, made during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, highlight the complexities of securing a truce in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While Trump expressed optimism about Putin’s statement, he also stressed that further discussions would be necessary to ensure that any agreement leads to lasting peace.

The U.S.-backed proposal calls for a 30-day cessation of hostilities across land, air, and sea, with Kyiv endorsing the plan during talks in Jeddah. However, Putin has insisted that any ceasefire must address the root causes of the conflict, raising concerns about the terms Russia would demand in exchange for halting military operations. With uncertainty surrounding Moscow’s true intentions, the prospect of an immediate resolution remains unclear.

What Did Putin Say About the Ceasefire Proposal?

Putin has acknowledged that he is open to discussions about ending the war but remains cautious about the specifics of the ceasefire plan. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, he stated that Russia agrees with the idea of halting hostilities but insisted that any agreement must lead to a long-term settlement. The Russian leader also emphasized that there were “nuances” that needed to be addressed before a ceasefire could be implemented.

One of the key concerns raised by Putin is the mechanism for enforcing the ceasefire. He questioned how compliance would be monitored and whether a temporary pause in fighting would allow Ukraine to rearm and reinforce its positions. “If we stop hostilities for 30 days, what does that mean? That everyone who is there will go out without a fight? How will supervision be organised?” he asked, signaling that Russia would demand strict conditions before committing to a truce.

Additionally, Putin stated that he had “serious questions” regarding the implementation of the plan and expressed a willingness to discuss them directly with President Trump. This suggests that Russia seeks additional assurances before considering a formal agreement.

How Has Trump Responded to Putin’s Remarks?

Trump has expressed cautious optimism about Putin’s stance, stating that he hopes Russia will “do the right thing” in the interest of securing peace. While he acknowledged that Putin’s statement was a step in the right direction, he emphasized that it was not yet a complete resolution.

The U.S. president reiterated his willingness to engage in direct talks with Putin to facilitate a ceasefire, underlining the urgency of de-escalating the conflict. However, Trump has also maintained that any agreement must ensure stability and prevent further aggression. His administration has continued to advocate for a ceasefire that includes clear safeguards against renewed hostilities.

What Are the Key Sticking Points in the Ceasefire Talks?

Despite both sides expressing interest in discussions, several significant obstacles remain in achieving a ceasefire. One of the primary issues is Russia’s insistence that a truce must be tied to broader political concessions, including guarantees that address its security concerns. The Kremlin has long opposed Ukraine’s potential NATO membership and has sought assurances that Western military aid will not be used to strengthen Kyiv’s forces during a ceasefire.

For Ukraine, any agreement that does not include the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territories is unlikely to be acceptable. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine supports a ceasefire only if it leads to a sustainable peace and does not serve as an opportunity for Russia to consolidate its military gains.

Furthermore, European officials have raised concerns that Moscow may be using ceasefire negotiations as a strategic delay tactic. Intelligence assessments suggest that Russia could be seeking to regroup and resupply its forces while diplomatic talks unfold. This has led to skepticism over whether Putin’s interest in a ceasefire is genuine or simply a means of gaining leverage in future negotiations.

What Are the Next Steps in Ceasefire Negotiations?

With both Russia and the U.S. acknowledging the need for further discussions, the focus now shifts to diplomatic efforts aimed at finding common ground. U.S. officials have indicated that high-level talks are expected to take place in the coming weeks, with Trump open to direct communication with Putin to address unresolved issues.

The outcome of these negotiations will likely depend on whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies both Ukraine’s demands for sovereignty and Russia’s insistence on security guarantees. Additionally, the role of international monitors in overseeing any ceasefire agreement could be a crucial factor in determining its feasibility.

As diplomatic channels remain active, the broader international community will be watching closely to see whether a ceasefire can be achieved or if the conflict will continue with no immediate resolution in sight. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the next phase of the war and determining whether peace talks gain momentum or collapse under unresolved disputes.