U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced optimism that negotiators could secure a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war, despite renewed aerial attacks from both Kyiv and Moscow early Thursday.
Speaking in Washington, Trump said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff would visit Moscow this week to advance peace efforts. The White House hopes Russia will agree to an unconditional halt to hostilities.
“People are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia,” Trump said during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to commit to halting the conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv was prepared to accept a peace deal, warning that strong measures, including sanctions, could follow if Putin rejects the proposal.
“I understand that we can count on strong steps… Everything depends on whether Russia wants a ceasefire or to continue killing people,” Zelensky said.
The conflict, now in its third year, continues to escalate. Russia reported downing 77 Ukrainian drones overnight, while multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kherson and Kyiv, were struck by Russian attacks.
