Fri Mar 14 13:58:13 UTC 2025: ## Trump Claims Breakthrough in Russia-Ukraine Talks Following Putin Meeting
**Washington, D.C. –** Following a series of high-level meetings, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday a potential breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump stated on Truth Social that productive discussions between a U.S. envoy and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday suggest a “very good chance” the war could end. He added that he had requested Putin spare the lives of encircled Ukrainian troops.
While Trump himself did not speak directly to Putin, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held extensive talks with the Russian president in Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin conveyed “signals” to Trump via Witkoff, with a future phone call between the two presidents planned once Witkoff has briefed Trump. The Kremlin expressed “cautious optimism” about a potential deal, emphasizing the need for direct communication between Trump and Putin for further progress.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced skepticism, accusing Putin of attempting to “sabotage diplomacy” by setting unreasonable conditions for a ceasefire. The White House clarified that Trump had not spoken directly to Putin on Thursday. Trump’s announcement follows his previous warnings about the conflict potentially escalating into World War III.
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