Synopsis
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff, discussing details from recent US-Ukrainian talks in Jeddah. The Kremlin shared that Trump is interested in a proposed ceasefire, while Russia seeks a lasting resolution.Key Takeaways
- Putin met with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.
- Discussed US-Ukrainian talks held in Jeddah.
- Russia supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- Ceasefire details need thorough clarification.
- Importance of monitoring any ceasefire established.
Moscow, March 14 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin has engaged with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and received additional information regarding the talks between the US and Ukraine that took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia earlier this week, as reported by the Kremlin on Friday.
During their meeting on Thursday, President Putin also shared information and further signals intended for President Trump, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as stated by RT.
Following the discussions in Jeddah on Tuesday, a joint statement from the US and Ukraine indicated that Kiev had consented to a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Concurrently, the US revealed the resumption of military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Witkoff traveled to Moscow to relay the proposal details to senior Russian officials, who have yet to respond formally.
Peskov noted that the US envoy met with President Putin to provide additional information to the Russian leader.
At a press conference on Thursday, President Putin expressed that Russia “fully supports” the notion of resolving the Ukraine conflict through peaceful methods and is open to discussing Trump’s ceasefire proposal.
“...the concept itself is commendable, and we certainly endorse it. However, there are matters we need to discuss. I believe we should collaborate with our American counterparts. Perhaps I will converse with President Trump. But we advocate for resolving this conflict through peaceful channels,” he stated, implying that dialogue might involve a direct conversation with the US leader, who is also interested in this.
“(Putin) made a very optimistic statement, but it was not exhaustive. And yes, I would enjoy meeting him or speaking with him,” Trump told reporters during a press conference alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte later that same day.
Nevertheless, President Putin emphasized that all the specifics of a ceasefire must be thoroughly understood, pointing out that Moscow is not looking for a temporary fix but aims for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
He underscored the necessity for a system of control and verification to monitor any ceasefire as well as potential Ukrainian attempts to utilize the lull in hostilities to rearm and bolster its forces at the front. He also mentioned the significance of clarifying the status and fate of Ukrainian troops currently encircled in Russia’s Kursk Region following their incursion there last year.
