The US is 'cautiously optimistic' about ceasefire progress after meeting with Putin.
The Trump administration expressed "cautiously optimistic" views on the ongoing ceasefire talks, following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Special envoy Witkoff is expected to return to the United States later this week, after which President Donald Trump will assess Russia's position and determine the next steps, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 14.
"We have reason to be cautiously optimistic, but at the same time, we are aware that this is a difficult and complex situation," Rubio said. "It won't be easy. It won't be simple. But we certainly feel that we have at least taken some steps closer to ending this war and bringing about peace."
Kyiv agreed to a temporary ceasefire proposed by Washington during talks in Jeddah on March 11, on the condition that Russia comply. The talks in Saudi Arabia also led to the resumption of crucial US military and intelligence support to Ukraine.
"Ukraine is not an obstacle to peace; Ukraine is a partner in restoring peace," declared Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who participated in the negotiations. He stressed that Ukraine's acceptance of the proposed ceasefire agreement shows "who truly cares about peace."
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 13 that Moscow was ready to accept a ceasefire but demanded that Ukraine stop mobilizing troops, conducting military training, and receiving foreign military aid for the duration of the agreement.
Trump called Putin's statement "very promising" but "incomplete," and said he was ready to meet with the Russian leader.
Rubio emphasized that U.S. foreign policy is based on action, not trust. When asked whether he believed in Putin's commitment, Rubio dismissed the question, saying, "This isn't a matter of trust, it's action. You either do it or you don't. That's how foreign policy works, and that's how we make decisions."
While the White House acknowledges progress, officials remain concerned about securing a ceasefire that meets the conditions of both the U.S. and Ukraine. The U.S. administration is expected to hold further internal discussions later this week, after Witkoff briefs Trump on the talks in Moscow.
"This has been a pretty good week on that front, but there's still a lot of work to be done," Rubio said. "We'll have more information when Special Envoy Witkoff returns and we all have a chance to sit down together and discuss it."
