US Special Representative Witcoff expressed cautious optimism about peace talks in Ukraine in Riyadh
Kyiv • UNN
US Special Representative Witcoff expressed hope for progress in negotiations to end the war. He believes in Putin's desire for peace and expects a truce in the Black Sea.
U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism ahead of important talks in Saudi Arabia on ending the war in Ukraine and said he believes Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants an end to the war. This was reported by Reuters, reports UNN.
Details
"I feel that he (Putin - ed.) wants peace," Witkoff said.
He noted that "on Monday, it will be possible to see some real progress, especially since it will affect the ceasefire in the Black Sea on ships between the two countries."
The publication notes that today, Sunday, the US delegation is to hold talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian officials on a possible partial ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, and on Monday the American side will hold talks with Russia.
Responding to a question about criticism of Putin in the West, Witkoff said he thinks there are two sides to every story, and downplayed concerns among Washington's NATO allies that Moscow could be emboldened by the deal and invade other neighbors.
I just don't see him wanting to take over all of Europe. This is a very different situation than during World War II.
Recall
On the evening of March 23, a meeting of delegations from Ukraine and the United States will be held in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible partial ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian delegation will be headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Earlier it was reported that meetings in Riyadh between representatives of the United States, Ukraine and Russia are designed to ensure that senior officials of these states further develop more specific wording of an agreement that would bring the end of hostilities in Russia's war against Ukraine closer.
Among the topics to be discussed, in particular, is the expansion of the Black Sea agreement towards a complete ceasefire. The American side also intends to check "whether the Russians' intentions are serious and whether they are on the same wavelength" in their desire to achieve a ceasefire.
Yesterday, March 22, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the military cabinet in Kharkiv. They discussed the situation at the front, the situation in the main directions, and also prepared for the meeting of the Ukrainian and American delegations, which will take place tomorrow in Saudi Arabia.
