'It’s up to Russia now': Trump on Ukraine ceasefire as US representatives head to Moscow

Envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia this week, with talks ongoing via calls and meetings, including VP Vance

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President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the success of a proposed 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia now rests with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine accepted the US-proposed ceasefire on Tuesday, but Trump made it clear that the next move is in Russia's hands.

“We’re going to have to see. It’s up to Russia now,” Trump said during a press briefing in the Oval Office, when asked whether he had a meeting or call scheduled with Putin. Trump also revealed that US representatives are en route to Russia, although he did not comment on whether he would personally meet with Putin.

Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Russia later this week, but it remains uncertain whether a meeting with Putin is on the agenda. Vice President JD Vance added that ongoing discussions are taking place through both phone calls and face-to-face meetings with US representatives over the coming days.

Uncertainty surrounds Putin's response

When pressed about the possibility of Putin honoring the ceasefire, given past violations of similar agreements, Trump acknowledged the uncertainty. "We haven’t spoken to him yet with substance, because we just found out and we just were able to get Ukraine to agree," Trump said. “We’re going to know very soon. I’ve gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing.”

Trump also reiterated his view that Ukraine has been a more difficult party in negotiations but refrained from revealing further details about future actions. He did suggest the potential for additional sanctions against Russia, though he emphasized that his primary goal is achieving peace, not escalating financial pressure on Moscow.

“There are things you could do that wouldn’t be pleasant, in the financial sense. I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace,” he concluded. “We are getting close to getting something done.”