Russian President Vladimir Putin is now responsible for the success of a planned 30-day truce between Russia and Ukraine, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday. Trump made it apparent that Russia controls the next course of action, even if Ukraine accepted the US-proposed ceasefire on Tuesday.
We’ll have to wait and see. During a news briefing in the Oval Office, Trump responded, “It’s up to Russia now,” when asked if he had a call or meeting planned with Putin. Trump also disclosed that US officials are traveling to Russia, although he made no mention of meeting with Putin in person.
Steve Witkoff, the special Middle East envoy, is expected to travel to Russia later this week, but it is unclear if a meeting with Putin would be part of the program. Vice President JD Vance also stated that throughout the next few days, continued conversations with US officials will be conducted over the phone and in person.
There is uncertainty about Putin’s reaction;
Given previous breaches of comparable agreements, Trump admitted the uncertainty when asked if he thought Putin would uphold the truce. “We haven’t spoken to him yet with substance, because we just found out and we just were able to get Ukraine to agree,” Trump stated. “We will find out shortly. I’ve received some encouraging words, but they are meaningless.
Trump did not provide any information about his plans for the future, but he did restate his belief that Ukraine has been a more challenging partner in negotiations. Although he made it clear that his main objective is bringing about peace, not increasing financial pressure on Moscow, he did raise the possibility of further sanctions against Russia.
