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Steve Witcoff, an envoy for Donald Trump, stated on Sunday that he expects the US president to speak with Vladimir Putin this week. According to Witcoff, Putin “accepts the philosophy” of Trump’s ceasefire and peace proposals. Through discussions with Putin lasting several hours last week, Witcoff reported a “positive” and “solution-based” interaction but would not confirm whether Putin’s demands included the surrender of Ukrainian forces in Kursk, international recognition of seized Ukrainian territory, limitations on Ukraine’s ability to mobilize, halting western military aid, and banning foreign peacekeepers.

Putin has expressed support for a truce but outlined additional details that require further negotiations. While Putin is open to a 30-day ceasefire suggested by the US, he has provided vague terms for his support, leaving uncertainties about the Kremlin’s intentions.

Witcoff would not disclose the Russian terms, stating that US envoys have narrowed differences between Ukraine and Russian negotiators. He plans to meet Trump on Sunday to discuss how to further narrow these differences. The discussions encompassed Ukraine, Russia, and European stakeholder countries, including France, Britain, Norway, and Finland, as well as other elements that would be included in a ceasefire. Trump is being updated on these discussions, and Witcoff expects a call between the US and Russian presidents this week.

Witcoff also mentioned that the US continues to engage with Ukraine and advise them on their considerations. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has voiced support for a ceasefire plan while aiming for a more definitive and lasting peace. US negotiators are scheduled to meet with Ukraine and Russia this week, and Witcoff believes that a deal may be reached in the coming weeks.

Concerns remain that the settlement pushed by the Trump administration might resemble a Russian victory, disregarding Ukraine and its European allies’ interests. Trump and Putin’s recent friendly exchanges have raised further concerns in Kyiv, as the US administration cozies up to Moscow and cautiously criticizes Ukraine with threatening language and potential withdrawal of military support.

Both Russia and Ukraine exchanged attacks over the weekend, with each side reporting over 100 enemy drones. Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, has confirmed ongoing diplomatic discussions. Waltz mentioned that the US might consider offering some territorial guarantees and discussed the prospects of Ukraine’s membership in NATO, which he deems “incredibly unlikely”.