Trump and Putin Expected to Talk This Week Amid Ceasefire Progress in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

President Donald Trump is expected to have a critical conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, according to U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Witkoff, during an appearance on CNN’s "State of the Union," hinted that negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war might be progressing faster than anyone could have anticipated.

"The president uses the timeframe weeks, and I don't disagree with him. I am really hopeful that we're going to see some real progress here," Witkoff shared. Describing the situation as "highly, very complicated," he nonetheless expressed optimism about the upcoming talks between the two leaders.

Last Thursday, Witkoff spent between three and four hours in Moscow holding what he described as "positive" and "solution-based" discussions with Putin. This meeting followed a Saudi Arabia-led negotiation where U.S. and Ukrainian officials hashed out the terms of a potential ceasefire with Russia. Witkoff praised the progress made during these talks, citing "really positive results" thanks to the efforts of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Witkoff didn’t hold back his optimism, stating, "Before this visit, the two sides were miles apart. Today, they’re a lot closer." He noted that the gaps between the two nations are narrowing, with both sides now actively sitting at the negotiating table.

Trump has reportedly been deeply involved in all aspects of these discussions. Witkoff revealed that the president receives real-time updates and is engaged in making key decisions. A call between Trump and Putin is anticipated this week, while conversations with Ukrainian officials and European stakeholders like France, Britain, and Norway are also ongoing. "The four regions are of critical importance here," Witkoff emphasized, referring to the contentious territories involved in the proposed deal.

This marks Witkoff’s second meeting with Putin in the past month. The first, held in mid-February, led to the release of U.S. prisoner Marc Fogel by Russia, a notable diplomatic victory.

Beyond Russia-Ukraine negotiations, Witkoff has been a busy man. He flew to Moscow directly from Doha, Qatar, where he mediated talks between Israel and Hamas over extending their ceasefire agreement. Clearly, diplomacy is in full swing these days, and Witkoff seems to be juggling it all like a pro.