diff --git a/crates/core/src/operations/put.rs b/crates/core/src/operations/put.rs
index 1ef1c7e35..8b2d55c92 100644
--- a/crates/core/src/operations/put.rs
+++ b/crates/core/src/operations/put.rs
@@ -295,15 +295,44 @@ impl Operation for PutOp {
                             htl: *htl,
                         });
 
-                        // Transition to AwaitingResponse state to handle future SuccessfulPut messages
-                        new_state = Some(PutState::AwaitingResponse {
-                            key,
-                            upstream: Some(prev_sender.clone()),
-                            contract: contract.clone(),
-                            state: modified_value,
-                            subscribe,
-                            origin: origin.clone(),
-                        });
+                        // When we're the origin node we already seeded the contract locally.
+                        // Treat downstream SuccessfulPut messages as best-effort so River is unblocked.
+                        if origin.peer == own_location.peer {
+                            tracing::debug!(
+                                tx = %id,
+                                %key,
+                                "Origin node finishing PUT without waiting for SuccessfulPut ack"
+                            );
+
+                            if subscribe {
+                                if !op_manager.failed_parents().contains(id) {
+                                    let child_tx =
+                                        super::start_subscription_request(op_manager, *id, key);
+                                    tracing::debug!(
+                                        tx = %id,
+                                        %child_tx,
+                                        "started subscription as child operation"
+                                    );
+                                } else {
+                                    tracing::warn!(
+                                        tx = %id,
+                                        "not starting subscription for failed parent operation"
+                                    );
+                                }
+                            }
+
+                            new_state = Some(PutState::Finished { key });
+                        } else {
+                            // Transition to AwaitingResponse state to handle future SuccessfulPut messages
+                            new_state = Some(PutState::AwaitingResponse {
+                                key,
+                                upstream: Some(prev_sender.clone()),
+                                contract: contract.clone(),
+                                state: modified_value,
+                                subscribe,
+                                origin: origin.clone(),
+                            });
+                        }
                     } else {
                         // No other peers to forward to - we're the final destination
                         tracing::warn!(