Kremlin says Putin ‘cautiously optimistic’ on deal, needs to talk to Trump

Hours after President Donald Trump’s Russia envoy, Steve Witkoff, flew out of Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov portrayed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position as standing “in solidarity” with Trump, although the Russian leader had cast serious doubt on a U.S. 30-day ceasefire proposal to halt fighting in the Ukraine war.

Peskov said Putin spelled out Moscow’s position to Witkoff, who left early Friday, on the ceasefire proposed by the United States and agreed to by Ukraine. Peskov said he expects a phone call between Trump and Putin in the near future.

“The Russian side was provided with additional information. And also through Witkoff, Putin gave information and additional signals to President Trump,” Peskov said during his daily media conference call. “Certainly, there are reasons to feel this cautious optimism.” He added, however, that “a great deal” remains to be done.

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