Ukraine War Twist: Putin Wants Direct Talks With Trump Before Truce

Putin Open to Ukraine Ceasefire Talks but Demands Direct White House Negotiations

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled his willingness to discuss a U.S.-led ceasefire plan in Ukraine but insists on direct negotiations with the White House before committing to any agreement. While he agreed "in principle" with the proposed 30-day truce, Putin emphasized that key details must be ironed out to ensure an "enduring peace."

Ceasefire Talks Hang in the Balance

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow on Thursday, Putin stated, "The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it, but there are issues that need to be discussed." He suggested that a direct call with U.S. President Donald Trump could be necessary to finalize an agreement. "Maybe I’ll have a call with Donald Trump," he added, hinting at potential high-stakes diplomacy.

Putin also raised concerns over how the ceasefire would be enforced, questioning whether the pause would be used to rearm Ukrainian forces. "How will those 30 days be used? To mobilize, rearm, and train people? Or will it be a genuine effort toward peace? Who will police it?" he asked.

Trump’s Response: Optimism with Caution

From Washington, Trump acknowledged the developments but remained cautious. "We’re getting word that things are going OK in Russia, but that doesn’t mean anything until we hear the final outcome," he said during a briefing with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Later, addressing reporters at the White House, Trump confirmed ongoing discussions with Ukraine over territorial compromises and a broader peace settlement. "A lot of the details of a final agreement have already been discussed," he noted, but stopped short of committing to direct talks with Putin.

Zelensky Calls Putin’s Offer ‘Manipulative’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly dismissed Putin’s response, calling it "manipulative." He accused the Russian leader of setting unrealistic preconditions designed to stall real progress. "Putin, of course, is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war," Zelensky said in his nightly address.

Ukraine has backed the ceasefire deal, contingent on Moscow’s agreement, but insists on a two-stage process: an immediate ceasefire followed by long-term negotiations. Russia, however, argues that all issues should be resolved in a single deal.

Battlefield Tensions Remain High

Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues. Both Russia and Ukraine reported fresh drone attacks overnight. Seven civilians, including children, were injured in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, while Russia claimed a major fire broke out at an oil facility in Tuapse following a Ukrainian strike.

Putin also pointed to Ukraine’s recent military operations in Russia’s western Kursk region, where he claimed Russian forces had regained full control. "Their equipment has been abandoned. There are two options for Ukrainians in Kursk—surrender or die," he stated bluntly.

U.S. Increases Pressure on Moscow

As ceasefire discussions unfold, the U.S. ramped up economic pressure on Russia, imposing fresh sanctions targeting Russian oil, gas, and banking sectors. The Trump administration also tightened restrictions on Russia’s access to U.S. financial systems, making it harder for foreign buyers to purchase Russian energy exports.

What’s Next?

With Putin and Zelensky at odds over the ceasefire conditions and Trump pushing for a swift resolution, the path to peace remains unclear. While the Kremlin signals openness to dialogue, deep divisions over enforcement, territorial disputes, and long-term security guarantees continue to delay progress. For now, both sides seem locked in a diplomatic chess game, with the fate of the ceasefire hanging in the balance.