#Zelensky: "Today, I heard many right words about the need to end the war"

But #Putin, pushing #Russia ultimata, woos #Trump: "He is doing everything he can"

#Trump hails Putin "very good and productive talks" w US envoy in Moscow

US Nat'l Security Advisor #Waltz after #Putin meets #Trump envoy Witkoff: “Some cautious optimism"

Plays down #Putin refusal of ceasefire: “Of course, both sides are going to have their demands, and of course both sides are going to have to make some compromises"

#Kremlin expresses "cautious optimism" after #Putin meets #Trump envoy Witkoff

Witkoff “presented additional info to #Russia side - Putin “passed along info and additional signals for #Trump"

Outcome of talks only clear after Putin speaks w Trump - but no time set for call

Classified US intelligence reports: #Putin still pursuing maximalist objectives for the domination of #Ukraine

Latest assessment dated March 6 and circulated throughout #Trump Admin

“He has a long-standing desire to restore ‘Mother Russia'"

Despite #Putin effective rejection of #Ukraine -US ceasefire proposal, #Trump says Putin “put out a very promising statement" although "it wasn’t complete"

Unsurprisingly, says he i swilling to talk to Putin to secure a ceasefire: “Hopefully Russia will do the right thing"

"What do you do when you face a guy who is "win-lose" in his approach and who is a bully?

You have to make sure that reality hits him in the nose"

#Trump: I hope #Russia will agree to interim ceasefire agreed by #Ukraine and US w proposal solidified “over the next few days

Will invite #Zelensky back to the White House

"What do you do when you face a guy who is "win-lose" in his approach and who is a bully?

You have to make sure that reality hits him in the nose"

Thx to Erich McElroy for 47-minute deep-dive analysis

* #Trump attempted decimation of US system

*Threats v. #Ukraine in support of #Russia

*Erosion of US standing in world

#Ukraine to propose partial ceasefire and return of prisoners and children seized by #Russia

#Zelensky discusses negotiations and security w #Saudi Crown Prince

But #Trump 's #Rubio says #Kyiv must accept long-term Russian occupation

#Ukraine deal starts w halt to air attacks, sea ops, and assaults on energy and other infrastructure

Then prisoner exchanges and return of Ukraine children taken by #Russia

#Zelensky to meet #Saudi Crown Prince on Mon and talks w US begin Tues

#Trump lies about #Zelensky "taking money out of this country under Biden like candy from a baby"

"I just don’t think he’s grateful"

Says he expects Zelensky to "come back" and sign minerals deal

#Trump to aides: I will not restart aid & intelligence to #Ukraine, even if Kyiv signs minerals deal

Wants to see change in #Zelensky ’s "attitude toward peace talks", including willingness to give up territory to #Russia

May want movement towards Zelensky stepping down as President