U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism on March 23 ahead of high-level talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. He stated that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to bring the three-year conflict to an end.
“I feel that he wants peace,” Witkoff told Fox News.
The American delegation is expected to meet with Ukrainian officials later on Sunday in Saudi Arabia to discuss the possibility of a partial ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. American and Russian officials will also meet on Monday in Saudi Arabia.
“I think we will see real progress on Monday in Saudi Arabia, especially with regard to the ceasefire on ships of the two countries in the Black Sea. And from there, we will move towards a full ceasefire,” Witkoff said.
Last week, Putin agreed to a temporary halt to attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, but he did not agree to support a 30-day general ceasefire that U.S. President Donald Trump hoped would be the first step toward a permanent peace deal.
Ukraine accepted Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
Asked about Western criticisms of Putin, Witkoff said he believes there are two sides to every situation and downplayed concerns from Washington’s NATO allies that Moscow might be emboldened by a deal and invade other neighbors.
“Simply, I don’t see him wanting to take all of Europe. This is a very different situation from World War II,” Witkoff said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has made ending the war Russia started against Ukraine in 2022 a top priority.
The conflict has killed and injured over a million people.
