In the coming days, US President Donald Trump is set to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin as negotiations persist regarding a potential ceasefire in the ongoing three-year conflict in Ukraine.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, following his meeting with Putin in Moscow on Thursday, informed CNN that he anticipates a call between both presidents later this week.
He stated, “We are also maintaining dialogue and engaging with the Ukrainians.” “We are providing guidance on all of our considerations.”
In a significant diplomatic move, the United States and Ukraine reached an agreement last week to propose a 30-day ceasefire to Russia. Putin expressed his backing for a ceasefire yet simultaneously outlined a series of stringent conditions necessary for the attainment of peace.
In a recent interview, Witkoff expressed optimism about the upcoming dialogue between the two presidents, stating, “I think the two presidents are going to have a really good and positive discussion this week.”
He announced that teams of US negotiators are scheduled to meet with their counterparts from Ukraine and Russia next week.
Witkoff expressed confidence that an agreement would be finalised “in [the] coming weeks”.
“I am truly optimistic that we will witness some advancements in this area,” he stated.
Throughout his election campaign, Trump consistently vowed to bring an end to the conflict that erupted following Russia’s comprehensive invasion of its neighbouring country in 2022, asserting he would do so on the very first day of a new administration.
Shortly after his inauguration, Trump engaged in a 90-minute conversation with Putin, during which they reportedly discussed the urgent need to initiate negotiations to end the war.
Witkoff refrained from commenting on how the issue of Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine might be resolved in a possible agreement. Russia presently holds approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The envoy reported that Trump was engaged in the ongoing diplomatic exchanges.
Witkoff reported that shortly after his meeting with Putin wrapped up on Thursday, he made his way back to the US embassy to provide a briefing to President Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, all within a span of “five to 10 minutes.”
“The president is receiving real-time updates on all ongoing developments and is actively participating in every significant decision being made,” he stated.
