President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Moscow for high-stakes ceasefire negotiations with Russian officials, potentially including President Vladimir Putin himself. The talks center on a proposed 30-day ceasefire that could be the first step toward ending the bloody conflict – and Putin has already said yes. Sort of.
At a glance:
• Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to discuss a 30-day ceasefire proposal for Ukraine
• Putin expressed support for the idea but demanded security guarantees for Russia
• The ceasefire was negotiated between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia
• Putin raised concerns about Ukraine using the ceasefire to regroup its forces
• Trump warned of “very bad” consequences for Russia if they reject the peace proposal
Trump Takes Lead On Peace Efforts
America’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff led the U.S. delegation in Moscow this week, representing President Trump’s commitment to ending the Ukraine conflict through direct diplomacy. The delegation arrived with a clear mission: secure Russia’s agreement to a 30-day ceasefire that could pave the way for more comprehensive peace negotiations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the mission as “part of our continued efforts to press Russia to agree to a ceasefire and stop its brutal war against Ukraine.” The Trump administration has taken a dramatically different approach than the previous administration, combining military support for Ukraine with aggressive diplomatic outreach to Moscow.
Putin Cautiously Open To Deal
President Vladimir Putin has expressed qualified support for the ceasefire proposal, saying he is “for it” but has significant concerns that must be addressed. Putin’s primary worry centers on security guarantees for Russia and questions about whether Ukrainian forces would use the pause to regroup and rearm.
But this is great progress nonetheless.
The Russian leader specifically questioned who would monitor potential violations and suggested direct discussions with President Trump to address these concerns. Russia has been reclaiming territory in the Kursk Oblast region, with Putin personally visiting the area and ordering troops to accelerate operations.
American and Ukrainian officials will meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for major talks today with the goal of working out a plan toward ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The U.S. delegation is led by Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve… pic.twitter.com/l2UUN1dzGt
— SKDoubleDub (@SKDoubleDub33) March 11, 2025
Trump’s Warning To Moscow
President Trump has made clear that Russia faces serious consequences if it rejects the peace proposal, telling reporters:
“That would be very bad for Russia… I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace,” the President said.
And Putin knows he means it.
Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, however, with Yehor Cherniev suggesting Putin might try to “waste time” or impose unacceptable conditions. The major sticking points include Russia’s potential demand for recognition of eastern Ukrainian territories as Russian soil, along with differing views on war crimes, territory ownership, and future international relations.
But if Ukraine wants peace, they’re going to have to work with Trump on this. Or it’ll end in another Oval Office shouting match.
