•The Envoy has Signalled Shift in Kiev’s NATO Ambitions
Washington, D.C., USA| The United States has made significant strides in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East.
In an extensive interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Witkoff provided key insights into ongoing negotiations, including the possibility of a ceasefire, Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, and the fate of Russian-occupied territories.
Breakthrough in Ceasefire Talks
Witkoff emphasized that the Trump administration has achieved more progress in talks with Russia over the past eight weeks than expected, particularly during his recent diplomatic mission to Moscow.
“The Trump administration has made more progress in Russia in this Russian-Ukraine conflict in the last eight weeks than anyone thought we would ever make,” Witkoff stated.
One of the main priorities in the negotiations is securing an “ultimate ceasefire,” particularly in the contested border region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces are reportedly surrounded by Russian troops.
“The Russians have taken it [Kursk Region] back. They’ve got people trapped there, and the president doesn’t want to see everybody getting killed,” Witkoff explained, describing the urgent need to resolve this critical battlefield situation.
He suggested that a 30-day ceasefire is within reach but warned that multiple military and territorial concerns must be addressed before any agreement is finalized.
U.S. and Russian representatives are set to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to further discuss the terms of the ceasefire and broader conflict resolution.
Crimea and Occupied Regions: The ‘Elephant in the Room’
Witkoff underscored that the most contentious issue in the conflict remains the status of Crimea and the four Ukrainian regions that voted to join Russia in referendums held in 2014 and 2022.
“They’re Russian-speaking. There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule,” he noted, referring to Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
The U.S. envoy described the territorial dispute as the “elephant in the room” that few are willing to openly address.
The issue is further complicated by Ukraine’s constitutional restrictions on ceding territory and the question of whether the international community will formally recognize these regions as Russian.
Despite the challenges, Witkoff expressed optimism, stating, “We’re having a very, very positive conversation” on the matter.
Ukraine’s NATO Membership Off the Table
A significant development in the negotiations is Ukraine’s apparent agreement to abandon its NATO ambitions—one of Moscow’s core demands since the war began.
“It’s largely accepted that if there’s going to be a peace deal, Ukraine cannot be a member of NATO,” Witkoff asserted, suggesting that this stance is also supported by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his chief of staff, Andrey Yermak.
This shift marks a notable departure from Ukraine’s previous insistence on NATO membership as a key national security objective, aligning instead with Russia’s long-standing opposition to NATO expansion.
Ukraine’s Presidential Election Set to Take Place
When asked about Ukraine’s political future, Witkoff confirmed that elections would be held, though he did not provide specific details or a timeline.
“Yes. There will be. They’ve agreed to it. There will be elections in Ukraine,” he stated.
Zelensky’s term officially expired in May 2024, but he has delayed new elections, citing martial law due to the ongoing conflict.
Russia has labeled him “illegitimate,” arguing that Ukraine’s parliament is the only remaining legal authority until a new vote is conducted.
Russia ‘100%’ Not Seeking War with Europe
Addressing broader geopolitical concerns, Witkoff dismissed fears that Russia intends to expand its military campaign beyond Ukraine into other European nations.
“The idea that the Russians are going to march across Europe is preposterous,” he said, pointing to NATO’s military presence as a deterrent.
He argued that fears of a wider Russian invasion are exaggerated and that Moscow’s primary focus remains securing its territorial interests in Ukraine.
Putin’s Personal Gesture Toward Trump
During his visit to Moscow, Witkoff noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a personal moment regarding Trump, revealing that he had prayed for him after the former U.S. president survived an assassination attempt in July.
“[Putin] went to his local church and met with his priest and prayed for the president – not because he could become the president of the United States, but because he had a friendship with him and he was praying for his friend,” Witkoff recounted.
In another gesture, Putin reportedly commissioned a Russian artist to create a portrait of Trump, which he asked Witkoff to personally deliver to the U.S. leader.
Looking Ahead
While significant hurdles remain, Witkoff’s remarks suggest that U.S.-Russia negotiations are making headway in de-escalating the Ukraine conflict.
With ceasefire discussions underway, Ukraine’s NATO bid seemingly off the table, and potential elections on the horizon, the landscape of the war could shift dramatically in the coming months.
However, the fate of the contested Ukrainian territories remains the most formidable challenge.
Whether an agreement can be reached that satisfies both Kiev and Moscow—and gains international recognition—will determine the success of the ongoing peace efforts.
Share This Post