Pres. Trump expresses optimism for Ukraine ceasefire

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Putin appears to be saying “nyet” to an immediate cease-fire.

But President Donald Trump expressed optimism Thursday for getting a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently rejected an immediate cease-fire. Trump’s envoy Steven Witkoff has been in Moscow meeting with the Russians.

Hours after Russian President Putin said wouldn’t agree to an immediate end to the fighting in Ukraine, President Trump said he’s hearing positive news out of Moscow.

With NATO’s Secretary-General by his side in the Oval Office, President Trump gave his take on Thursday’s talks in Russia - aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

“We know where we are with Ukraine, and we are getting good signals outside of Russia as to where we are with Russia, and hopefully they’ll do the right thing.”

Trump’s optimism was at odds with Russian President Putin’s first official response to a U.S.-backed proposal for a 30-day pause in the war. Earlier this week, Ukraine agreed to Washington’s proposal.

Putin said he would reject the peace plan because it wasn’t clear how such a cease-fire would be enforced. The Russian leader added that any pause in fighting at this point would be in Ukraine’s interests.

“So a lot of the details of a final agreement have actually been discussed. Now we’re going to see whether or not Russia is there. If they’re not, it’ll be a very disappointing moment for the world.”

President Trump sent his personal envoy Steven Witkoff to Moscow to meet with Russian officials. And with fighting between Russia and Ukraine continuing, President Trump said he plans to speak with Putin soon.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters that the alliance has been re-invigorated and he commended President Trump for projecting American power to force Ukraine and Russia to talk.

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