Trump envoy thinks Putin phone call will be ‘a success’
(MENAFN)
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed confidence that President Donald Trump’s upcoming phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin will be productive and could help advance stalled peace negotiations over Ukraine.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed confidence that President Donald Trump’s upcoming phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin will be productive and could help advance stalled peace negotiations over Ukraine.
Speaking to ABC’s This Week on Sunday, Witkoff described the planned Monday call as potentially “very successful,” especially following recent direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul—their first since 2022. Those talks resulted in an agreement on a major prisoner swap and a commitment to continue discussions after both parties submit detailed ceasefire proposals.
Witkoff praised the progress made in Türkiye, saying Trump is committed to achieving a lasting ceasefire and ultimately securing a peace agreement. “The president is determined to get something done here… If he can’t do it, then nobody can,” he said, noting Trump and Putin have a working relationship.
When asked about the rigidity of Russia’s demands, Witkoff acknowledged the complexity of the conflict and stressed the need for compromise. “In negotiations like this, people take firm positions. The goal is to narrow the gaps, and Monday will be important in figuring out how close we are to an agreement,” he said.
Trump also voiced optimism, calling Monday “a productive day” in the making. He stated that he would speak with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and NATO leaders after his discussion with Putin. However, he warned that Russia could face “crushing sanctions” if no meaningful progress is achieved.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Washington’s unwillingness to engage in prolonged talks without tangible outcomes.
Moscow has dismissed calls for a unilateral 30-day ceasefire, insisting that any peace agreement must address core issues—particularly Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, which Russia views as a direct security threat. President Putin has also demanded that Ukraine end its military mobilization, cease receiving foreign weapons, and withdraw troops from territories claimed by Russia. He warned that a temporary ceasefire could be exploited by Kyiv to regroup and rearm.
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