Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov detailed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s late-night meeting with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who visited Moscow to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. Putin used the Thursday talks to relay “additional signals” and information to U.S. President Donald Trump via Witkoff, while receiving fresh U.S. insights on the conflict, Peskov told reporters Friday.

Peskov highlighted “reasons for cautious optimism” regarding a potential settlement, echoing Putin’s support for Trump’s stance on resolving the war—though with caveats. “Putin backs Trump’s position but raised questions needing joint answers,” he said, underscoring unresolved complexities. Both nations acknowledge the need for a Putin-Trump call, though its timing remains unset as Russia awaits Witkoff’s debriefing with Trump.

The envoy’s visit follows Kyiv’s acceptance of a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, with Putin signaling openness tempered by strategic concerns. Beyond Ukraine, Peskov noted Russia’s readiness for foreign investment, affirming an open domestic market. Meanwhile, Putin’s Friday agenda includes a call with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to mark 80 years of Moscow-Caracas ties, alongside a Security Council meeting and another international call.

The Witkoff talks reflect a delicate diplomatic dance, with Putin balancing cautious hope for peace with Russia’s broader geopolitical aims, setting the stage for a pivotal leader-to-leader dialogue.