US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that there is a “very good chance” the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine could come to an end following “productive” discussions between Washington and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.
Trump mentioned that he had urged Putin to spare the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, particularly those “completely surrounded,” which likely refers to Ukrainian forces being pushed back from the Kursk region, their only remaining position on Russian soil.
“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
However, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt later clarified to reporters that Trump did not speak directly with Putin on Thursday. Instead, US envoy Steve Witkoff had the meeting with Putin.
Witkoff reportedly had an extensive meeting with Putin in Moscow on Thursday evening, as confirmed by a source familiar with the details.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin used the meeting with Witkoff to send “signals” to Trump. Peskov added that Russia and the US would coordinate the timing of a phone call between their presidents once Witkoff has briefed Trump.
Trump has consistently emphasized his desire for Moscow and Kyiv to reach a quick ceasefire, hoping to de-escalate the conflict, which he has warned could escalate into World War Three, causing further loss of life on both sides.
