On Sunday, US officials expressed optimism regarding a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. They believe a deal could be reached within weeks.
President Donald Trump plans to discuss it with Russia’s Vladimir Putin soon. This follows a US proposal to pause the war, which Kyiv accepted after talks in Saudi Arabia.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Putin recently. He told CNN, “The two presidents will have a positive talk this week.” Witkoff called the situation complex but doable. “Trump expects a deal soon, and I agree,” he said. Still, officials warn Ukraine that they may need to make tough concessions.
❗️Witkoff thinks Ukraine ceasefire could happen in WEEKS
'I am really hopeful we’re going to see some real progress here' https://t.co/TxkX77mPPk pic.twitter.com/p1cZStAmnN
— RT (@RT_com) March 16, 2025National Security Advisor Michael Waltz hinted at Ukraine’s sacrifices. He suggested ceding territory, like the Donbas region, and dropping NATO membership dreams. “It’ll be a territory-for-security deal,” Waltz explained on Sunday. He added, “Permanent NATO membership for Ukraine looks unlikely.” Witkoff, however, called talk of recognizing Russian-held land premature.
Read: Zelensky Pushes for Security Guarantees from Allies
Russia opposes Ukraine joining NATO. Kyiv rejects losing land. Witkoff listed key issues: ending a 1,200-mile border fight, Ukraine’s Kursk incursion, a nuclear reactor’s fate, and Black Sea access. Despite the hurdles, he remains upbeat. “No one’s giving up,” he said. “All stakeholders, including Europe, are committed.”
US officials expressed optimism Sunday that a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire deal could be reached in "weeks," as President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss a possible truce.https://t.co/OyVCQXc2pW pic.twitter.com/Wc4d0Is1jC
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 16, 2025Secretary of State Marco Rubio called his Saturday talk with Russia’s Sergei Lavrov “promising.” He hopes for an announcement soon. Putin, though, hasn’t accepted the US plan yet. He listed conditions and raised concerns. Still, the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks show rare optimism amid a tough war.
