---
title: "Kremlin says Putin sent Trump a message on Ukraine ceasefire idea, talks of 'cautious optimism'"
description: "The Kremlin said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent U.S. President Donald Trump a message about his proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine via Trump's special envoy and that there were grounds for \"cautious optimism.\""
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-03-14-kremlin-says-putin-sent-trump-a-message-on-ukraine-ceasefire-idea-talks-of-cautious-optimism/"
published: "2025-03-14T13:21:07"
updated: "2025-03-14T13:21:09"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 166
---

# Kremlin says Putin sent Trump a message on Ukraine ceasefire idea, talks of 'cautious optimism'

> The Kremlin said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent U.S. President Donald Trump a message about his proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine via Trump's special envoy and that there were grounds for "cautious optimism."

By Reuters · Published 14 March 2025, 15:21 SAST · Updated 14 March 2025, 15:21 SAST

## Key points
- In a late-night Kremlin rendezvous that could rival a spy thriller, Putin and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff kicked around a 30-day ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, leaving us with cautious optimism and a Kremlin spokesman who sounds like he’s auditioning for a role in a diplomatic rom-com.
- Putin engaged in late-night discussions with Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
- Kyiv has already expressed acceptance of the ceasefire proposal.
- Kremlin spokesman Peskov indicated cautious optimism, citing Putin's support for Trump's settlement approach.
- A phone call between Putin and Trump is in the works, pending Witkoff's briefing.

## Content

Putin held late night talks in Moscow with Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy, to discuss the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Kyiv has already accepted the idea.

Peskov said Putin had conveyed "signals" to Trump via Witkoff, and had received information from the American about U.S. thinking on Ukraine.

"There are certainly reasons to be cautiously optimistic. You heard a very important statement yesterday from President Putin, who was answering a journalist's question. He said that he supports President Trump's position in terms of a settlement, but he voiced some questions that need to be answered together," said Peskov.

"So, yes, indeed, there is still a lot to be done, but nevertheless, the president expressed solidarity with Mr. Trump's position."

Peskov said Russia and the U.S. would work out the timing of a phone call between their two presidents once Witkoff had briefed Trump.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Andrew Osborn and Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)