Moscow: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that there are reasons for "cautious optimism" regarding a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Peskov’s remarks followed a meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Whitkov. Speaking to reporters via phone, Peskov confirmed that President Putin expressed support for the U.S.-proposed 30-day temporary ceasefire in Ukraine but noted that some critical questions remain unanswered.
According to Peskov, President Putin provided Whitkov with additional information and instructions to be conveyed to U.S. President Donald Trump, though he did not disclose specifics.
The Kremlin spokesperson also stated that during the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the need for a direct meeting between President Putin and Trump. However, the time and location for such a meeting will only be determined after Whitkov returns to Washington and delivers Putin’s new input to Trump.
U.S. officials have maintained that Washington wants Russia to agree to a ceasefire without any preconditions. Meanwhile, Moscow has indicated that it is awaiting further details on the proposed 30-day ceasefire, particularly regarding Ukraine’s stance.
The U.S. has warned that if President Putin rejects the ceasefire proposal, Washington will respond "strongly." Trump has also cautioned Russia about "devastating" economic sanctions, stating, "I hope it doesn’t come to that."
"I have financial options that could have severe consequences for Russia," Trump said. "But I don’t want to go down that road because I want peace."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to Putin’s remarks, described them as "highly controlling" and suggested that the Russian leader might be preparing to reject the U.S. proposal.
Meanwhile, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov criticized the U.S. ceasefire plan, arguing that it only represents Ukraine’s position and does not consider Russia’s interests. Speaking on Russian state television ahead of his meeting with Putin, Ushakov said, "This plan requires further work, deliberation, and the inclusion of Russia’s perspective."
Ushakov emphasized that Moscow is seeking a long-term agreement rather than a temporary arrangement that would provide Ukraine with a "fresh opportunity." He called the 30-day ceasefire proposal "rushed" and not in favor of a lasting resolution.
In Washington, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt told reporters on Friday that no schedule has been set for a potential meeting between Putin and Trump but acknowledged that "things could change."
Leavitt, referencing Trump’s posts on Truth Social, reiterated that the president has urged Russia to take "appropriate action." After his Thursday meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump warned that it would be "deeply disappointing" if Russia rejected the ceasefire proposal and continued the war.
