Putin ‘accepts the philosophy of President Trump’ on ending war in Ukraine: US special envoy

A Glimmer of Hope: Russia and the US Align on Ukraine Ceasefire Philosophy

In a surprising turn of events, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signaled his willingness to consider the approach proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump to end the ongoing Ukraine war. This revelation came to light through U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently met with Putin. According to Witkoff, while Putin did not explicitly endorse Trump’s specific ceasefire proposal, he appears to align with the broader philosophy behind it. The two leaders are set to discuss the matter further in an upcoming phone call, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough in negotiations.

The U.S. and Ukraine recently agreed on a 30-day ceasefire plan aimed at paving the way for broader peace talks. However, Russia initially rejected the proposal, citing unresolved "nuances." Despite this, Witkoff remains optimistic, emphasizing that both Trump and Putin share a desire to bring the conflict to a close. This alignment in philosophy, however tentative, marks a rare point of agreement between the two leaders on the contentious issue. The envoy underscored the complexity of the situation but expressed confidence in the progress made so far, noting that the speed of developments has exceeded expectations.

The Ceasefire Conundrum: Ukraine and Russia’s Diverging Expectations

The proposed ceasefire has highlighted the starkly differing priorities of Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian leaders, particularly President Volodymyr Zelensky, have consistently advocated for a swift implementation of the ceasefire, followed by negotiations to address the root causes of the conflict. This approach is rooted in the belief that a pause in hostilities could create a conducive environment for meaningful dialogue.

On the other hand, Russia has taken a more cautious stance. Moscow has indicated that it would only consider a ceasefire if certain key issues are resolved upfront. These include the status of the four territories—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—that Russia has annexed since the war began. While Russia claims sovereignty over these regions, it has yet to establish full control over them, despite significant military efforts. This discrepancy has emerged as a major stumbling block in the peace process.

Witkoff refrained from directly addressing whether the U.S. would recognize Russian control over the annexed territories, deeming the question premature. However, Zelensky has been unequivocal in his refusal to acknowledge Russian sovereignty over any Ukrainian land, further complicating the path to a resolution.

Trump’s Diplomatic Push: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Tension

President Trump has been actively involved in efforts to broker peace, applying pressure on Zelensky to accept the ceasefire proposal. In a move that raised eyebrows, the White House temporarily suspended military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, ostensibly to incentivize Kyiv’s cooperation. This decision was met with criticism from some quarters, with concerns about the potential consequences of withholding critical support from a nation under attack.

However, the strategy appears to have yielded results, at least in the short term. Following Ukraine’s agreement to the ceasefire plan, the Trump administration restored military aid and intelligence-sharing, signaling a return to business as usual. Despite this, the relationship between Trump and Zelensky remains strained. The two leaders reportedly clashed during a recent meeting at the White House, highlighting the challenges of aligning their respective visions for ending the war.

General Kellogg’s Appointment: A New Envoy with a Tricky Mandate

As Trump prepares for his call with Putin, he has announced that General Keith Kellogg will serve as his special envoy to Ukraine. Kellogg, a respected military expert, will be tasked with facilitating direct communication between Trump and the Ukrainian leadership. However, his dual role as envoy to both Ukraine and Russia in the past has sparked wariness in Moscow, potentially complicating his mission.

Secretary of State Marco has also been engaged in diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about the next steps in the peace process. Witkoff emphasized the importance of focusing on the progress made since Trump’s inauguration, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. He noted that the rapid advancements in negotiations have been unexpected, suggesting that the groundwork for further breakthroughs may be in place.

Moving Forward: The Road Ahead for the Ceasefire and Beyond

The upcoming conversation between Trump and Putin is widely viewed as a critical moment in the effort to end the Ukraine war. While the alignment in philosophy between the two leaders offers a glimmer of hope, significant challenges remain. The crux of the issue lies in the competing demands of Ukraine and Russia, particularly regarding the annexed territories. Ukraine’s insistence on not recognizing Russian control over these regions creates a formidable obstacle, one that will require careful navigation if a lasting peace is to be achieved.

Witkoff’s optimism about the progress thus far is tempered by the understanding that the path forward will be fraught with difficulty. The involvement of figures like General Kellogg and Secretary Marco underscores the multi-pronged approach being taken by the U.S. to facilitate dialogue. However, the success of these efforts will ultimately hinge on the willingness of all parties to compromise and find common ground.

In the end, the fate of the ceasefire—and the broader peace process—depends on whether the competing interests of Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. can be reconciled. While the current alignment between Trump and Putin’s philosophies offers a promising starting point, the road ahead is long, and the outcome remains far from certain.