Waltz on Putin’s Trustworthiness in Peace Talks: “We Have No Illusions About Who We’re Dealing With”

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that Washington has no illusions about Russian leader Vladimir Putin, describing him as a “tough character” following recent talks between the Russian and US leaders.

According to Waltz, President Donald Trump and Putin discussed multiple topics, including a potential ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia and a prisoner exchange. Speaking to Fox News, he emphasized that negotiations with Moscow require a strategy of “trust but verify.”

“It’s not a matter of necessarily believing. This is tough negotiation. Putin is a tough character. We have no illusions about who we’re dealing with,” Waltz said.

He also reinforced Trump’s statement that US aid to Ukraine was not a topic of discussion during the call with Putin. When asked whether the issue arose, Waltz responded, “No.”

The Kremlin’s readout of the call indicated that Russia emphasized the cessation of foreign military aid to Ukraine as a condition for de-escalation. However, Waltz confirmed that discussions would continue, with planned calls involving both Russian and Ukrainian counterparts.

According to CNN, Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, though overnight aerial attacks were reported from both sides following the Kremlin’s decision to temporarily halt strikes on select targets.

Earlier, US Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff stated that a full ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia could be reached within two weeks. Speaking to Fox News on March 19, he also mentioned a possible meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. Ceasefire negotiations are set to resume on March 23 in Jeddah, with Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz expected to attend.