The key facts
- Steve Witkoff said there are prerequisites for a ceasefire in Ukraine at a meeting with Putin in Saint Petersburg
- The timing and terms of a possible truce are not specified
- The day before, Witkoff held talks with Zelensky and Europeans in Oslo; Axios and Politico reported on new US proposals and the idea of direct talks between Trump, Putin and Zelensky
Statement at the meeting in Saint Petersburg
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff said there is groundwork for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. He made this statement during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. According to the American representative, prerequisites for moving toward a cessation of hostilities already exist. At the same time, the specific timing of a possible truce and the conditions for achieving it are not specified in the cited statement.
Context of the talks
The statement came against the backdrop of diplomatic efforts to find ways to settle the Ukrainian conflict. One of the key issues remains agreeing on the terms of a ceasefire and the mechanisms for compliance with possible agreements.
Talks in Oslo and US plans
The day before, Witkoff held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European representatives in Oslo. As Axios reported, following the consultations, the American side prepared new proposals for settling the conflict, which the envoy is to present to the Russian leadership. Earlier, Politico reported that Witkoff intends to propose to Putin holding direct talks involving Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky to agree on a ceasefire.
