In Brief

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to discuss a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine this week.
Washington has pushed for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted, but Russia has not yet formally agreed.

Situation Report:

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to engage in a phone call this week to discuss a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine. This development follows a series of diplomatic efforts by the U.S. to bring an end to the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The U.S. has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted. However, Russia has not formally agreed to the proposal, instead raising concerns and conditions related to Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. Putin has indicated that Ukrainian soldiers there would be treated as "terrorists" unless they surrender.

Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently met with Putin in Moscow and described the upcoming call between the two leaders as "really good and positive." Witkoff emphasized that discussions with Ukraine and European allies are ongoing to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

Despite these efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed scepticism about Russia's willingness to end the war, suggesting that Moscow seeks to improve its military position before agreeing to any ceasefire.