President Trump optimistic about ending Russia-Ukraine conflict

On March 14, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine ending after Washington had productive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a post on the social network Truth Social, President Trump said: "We had very productive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and there is a very good chance that the conflict in Ukraine can finally end."

However, speaking to reporters, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt clarified that President Trump did not speak directly with President Putin on March 13, but rather US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Mr. Witkoff had a lengthy meeting with President Putin in the Russian capital Moscow on the evening of March 13.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that at the meeting, Mr. Putin conveyed a "signal" to Mr. Trump through Mr. Witkoff.

Mr. Peskov also said that Russia and the US will arrange a time for a phone call between the two presidents after Mr. Witkoff reports to Mr. Trump.

The most recent phone call between President Putin and his counterpart Trump took place on February 12 and lasted an hour and a half. The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, as well as issues related to bilateral relations.

The two sides then agreed to continue communication, including plans to arrange face-to-face meetings.