President Donald Trump is expected to have a significant conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, as discussions about a potential ceasefire in Ukraine progress. U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, shared this information during an appearance on CNN’s "State of the Union." He expressed optimism about the situation, noting that the two sides appear to be moving closer to an agreement.
Witkoff mentioned that the president has been using the word "weeks" to describe the timeframe for reaching a deal, and he agrees with that assessment. He highlighted that the situation is complicated but emphasized that there has been unexpected progress in bridging the gap between Russia and Ukraine. Witkoff described the upcoming talks between the two leaders as promising, suggesting that they could lead to a positive outcome.
This week’s anticipated call follows Witkoff’s recent meeting with Putin in Moscow, where they discussed various issues for three to four hours. Witkoff characterized the discussion as positive and solution-oriented. He noted that before his recent visit, the two sides were "miles apart," but now they are much closer to finding common ground.
The discussions come on the heels of U.S. and Ukrainian officials agreeing on terms for a ceasefire during talks in Saudi Arabia. Witkoff stated that he briefed Trump and other key officials shortly after meeting with Putin, ensuring that the president is involved in every step of the negotiations.
Witkoff also mentioned the importance of four specific regions in the ongoing discussions. He indicated that the U.S. is actively engaging with Ukraine and other European stakeholders, including France and Britain, to ensure all perspectives are considered in the negotiations.
This is not Witkoff’s first meeting with Putin in recent weeks. His earlier discussions in February resulted in the release of U.S. prisoner Marc Fogel, showcasing a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue.
As the situation develops, Witkoff reassured that Trump is kept informed in real-time about the negotiations, highlighting the administration’s commitment to resolving the conflict. He expressed hope that the upcoming discussions would continue to narrow the differences and lead to a lasting ceasefire.