Russia Open to Peace Talks with Ukraine; Trump Questions Putin’s Intentions

Russia has said it wants to talk with Ukraine about peace without any conditions, according to the Kremlin. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, shared that President Vladimir Putin told a US envoy, Steve Witkoff, in a meeting that Russia is ready to start talks with Ukraine again. Peskov mentioned that Putin has stated this willingness multiple times before.

US President Donald Trump noted on Friday that a deal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine could be “close.” However, just a day later, he expressed doubts about whether Putin really wants to stop the fighting. Trump shared his concerns on social media as he returned to the United States after attending the Pope’s funeral. He pointed out that “there’s no reason for Putin to be attacking cities and civilians recently.”

Trump suggested that Russia might face more sanctions, stating, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war. We might have to handle him differently through banking or other sanctions. Too many people are dying!!!”