President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the success of a proposed 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia now rests with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine accepted the US-proposed ceasefire on Tuesday, however Trump made it clear that the following transfer is in Russia’s palms.
“We’re going to should see. It’s as much as Russia now,” Trump mentioned throughout a press briefing within the Oval Workplace, when requested whether or not he had a gathering or name scheduled with Putin. Trump additionally revealed that US representatives are en path to Russia, though he didn’t touch upon whether or not he would personally meet with Putin.
Particular Center East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to go to Russia later this week, but it surely stays unsure whether or not a gathering with Putin is on the agenda. Vice President JD Vance added that ongoing discussions are happening by each cellphone calls and face-to-face conferences with US representatives over the approaching days.
Uncertainty surrounds Putin’s response
When pressed about the potential for Putin honoring the ceasefire, given previous violations of comparable agreements, Trump acknowledged the uncertainty. “We haven’t spoken to him but with substance, as a result of we simply discovered and we simply have been capable of get Ukraine to agree,” Trump mentioned. “We’re going to know very quickly. I’ve gotten some constructive messages, however a constructive message means nothing.”
Trump additionally reiterated his view that Ukraine has been a tougher social gathering in negotiations however avoided revealing additional particulars about future actions. He did recommend the potential for added sanctions towards Russia, although he emphasised that his major aim is reaching peace, not escalating monetary stress on Moscow.
“There are issues you may do this wouldn’t be nice, within the monetary sense. I can do issues financially that will be very unhealthy for Russia. I don’t need to do this as a result of I need to get peace,” he concluded. “We’re getting near getting one thing completed.”