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Trump’s special envoy to Middle East shares insights on peace negotiations with Russia
(MENAFN) Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, shared insights on peace negotiations with Russia during an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson. He highlighted progress in talks, Ukraine’s NATO status, territorial disputes, and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s personal gesture toward Trump.
Witkoff stated that the Trump administration has made substantial progress in negotiations with Russia over the Ukraine conflict, particularly in securing an imminent ceasefire. Discussions have focused on a potential 30-day truce, with US and Russian delegations set to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to address battlefield issues.
One of the most significant revelations was that Ukraine has apparently agreed to forgo NATO membership, a key demand from Moscow. Witkoff emphasized that both Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, accept this as a necessary condition for peace.
Witkoff acknowledged that the fate of Crimea and four other regions that voted to join Russia in 2014 and 2022 remains a major obstacle in negotiations. He noted that these areas are Russian-speaking and have held referendums favoring Russian rule. The issue is further complicated by Ukraine’s constitutional restrictions on ceding territory and international recognition of the new borders.
When asked about Ukraine’s next presidential election, Witkoff confirmed that it will take place but did not specify a timeline. Zelensky’s term expired in May 2024, yet he remains in office under martial law, prompting Russia to question his legitimacy.
The Trump envoy dismissed fears of a Russian invasion of Europe, calling them unfounded. He argued that NATO’s presence today makes such an expansion highly unlikely.
Witkoff revealed that Putin prayed for Trump after he survived an assassination attempt in July. He also shared that the Russian leader commissioned a portrait of Trump from a top Russian artist and gifted it to him via Witkoff.
Witkoff’s interview suggests that peace negotiations are advancing, with Ukraine’s NATO membership seemingly off the table and discussions ongoing regarding territorial disputes and elections. Meanwhile, Russia’s strategic goals appear focused on securing its claimed territories rather than expanding into Europe.
Witkoff stated that the Trump administration has made substantial progress in negotiations with Russia over the Ukraine conflict, particularly in securing an imminent ceasefire. Discussions have focused on a potential 30-day truce, with US and Russian delegations set to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to address battlefield issues.
One of the most significant revelations was that Ukraine has apparently agreed to forgo NATO membership, a key demand from Moscow. Witkoff emphasized that both Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, accept this as a necessary condition for peace.
Witkoff acknowledged that the fate of Crimea and four other regions that voted to join Russia in 2014 and 2022 remains a major obstacle in negotiations. He noted that these areas are Russian-speaking and have held referendums favoring Russian rule. The issue is further complicated by Ukraine’s constitutional restrictions on ceding territory and international recognition of the new borders.
When asked about Ukraine’s next presidential election, Witkoff confirmed that it will take place but did not specify a timeline. Zelensky’s term expired in May 2024, yet he remains in office under martial law, prompting Russia to question his legitimacy.
The Trump envoy dismissed fears of a Russian invasion of Europe, calling them unfounded. He argued that NATO’s presence today makes such an expansion highly unlikely.
Witkoff revealed that Putin prayed for Trump after he survived an assassination attempt in July. He also shared that the Russian leader commissioned a portrait of Trump from a top Russian artist and gifted it to him via Witkoff.
Witkoff’s interview suggests that peace negotiations are advancing, with Ukraine’s NATO membership seemingly off the table and discussions ongoing regarding territorial disputes and elections. Meanwhile, Russia’s strategic goals appear focused on securing its claimed territories rather than expanding into Europe.
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