U.S. Envoy Witkoff Optimistic About Ukraine Negotiations in Saudi…

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about negotiations in Saudi Arabia for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. He stated that President Putin wants peace and that a Black Sea ceasefire could be a step towards halting hostilities. Concerns over Russian expansionism were addressed, and an upcoming meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. officials was announced, emphasizing a bilateral focus without direct negotiation with Russia.

On Sunday, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed a sense of optimism regarding the upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to seek peace, as noted in a report by Reuters. “I think that you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries… I feel that he wants peace,” Witkoff stated during an appearance on Fox News.

Witkoff suggested that a ceasefire in the Black Sea could potentially lead to a complete cessation of hostilities. Addressing concerns from European Union nations about the implications of such an agreement, Witkoff remarked, “I just don’t see that he wants to take all of Europe. This is a much different situation than it was in World War II. In World War II, there was no NATO.”

Emphasizing the critical need to halt violence, Witkoff said, “Let’s end this thing. You can’t end things without communicating with both sides, understanding what each of them needs, and then trying to bring them together, and that’s what we’re doing.” He stressed that stopping the violence is paramount in the current negotiations.

In related news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed plans for Ukrainian officials to meet with American representatives in Saudi Arabia on March 24. This meeting is expected to be at a technical team level, with expectations of U.S. involvement in discussions with Russia on that date. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg confirmed that U.S. teams would participate in indirect negotiations. However, Heorhii Tykhyi of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Ukraine considers this meeting as a bilateral engagement with U.S. officials, with no direct negotiations involving Russian representatives planned.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed optimism regarding the impending negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at fostering peace in Ukraine. He believes that Russia’s President Putin seeks peace, while emphasizing the importance of ceasing hostilities. With upcoming meetings scheduled between Ukraine and U.S. officials, the situation will evolve as both parties strive towards diplomatic resolutions in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua