Witkoff says Trump, Putin to speak this week on phone about Ukraine-Russia deal
U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, revealed on Sunday that President Donald Trump is expected to have a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week. The discussion comes in the wake of ongoing efforts to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Witkoff expressed optimism about the progress being made in negotiations, stating that the two sides are closer than ever to finding a resolution. He mentioned that the timeline for a potential agreement could be within weeks, which aligns with the president’s own projections.
Witkoff highlighted the recent meeting he had with Putin in Moscow, where they engaged in constructive and solution-oriented discussions for several hours. He emphasized the significance of bridging the gap between the conflicting parties and acknowledged the complexity of the situation.
The envoy’s visit to Russia followed discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, where the terms of a possible ceasefire with Russia were outlined. Witkoff praised the positive outcomes of these talks and credited National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their roles in advancing the negotiations.
This recent meeting with Putin marked the second time Witkoff engaged with the Russian leader in a month, with the previous encounter resulting in the release of U.S. prisoner Marc Fogel. The envoy emphasized the close involvement of President Trump in the negotiations, noting that the president receives real-time updates on developments and is actively engaged in key decision-making processes.
In addition to the discussions with Russia, Witkoff mentioned ongoing talks with Ukraine, European stakeholders, and other involved parties to navigate the critical regions at the heart of the conflict. He underscored the importance of engaging with all relevant parties to ensure a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts extend beyond the Ukraine crisis, as he recently mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. The envoy’s dedication to facilitating peaceful resolutions in the region underscores the administration’s commitment to promoting stability and security.
As the discussions continue to progress, the anticipated call between President Trump and President Putin holds the promise of further advancing towards a lasting ceasefire agreement. The tireless efforts of the U.S. special envoy and the collaborative approach with key stakeholders signal a renewed sense of optimism for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
