Kremlin reacts to Trump's comment for Witkoff to 'get Russia done'
Photo: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
Moscow “supports” US President Donald Trump’s instruction to his special envoy Steve Witkoff to focus on Russia, namely on resolving the war in Ukraine, as Russian media cite Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
According to Peskov, Moscow “supports the US political will to seek ways for a peaceful settlement.” He called Witkoff an “effective mediator.”
“We are already well acquainted with Mr. Witkoff. He is effective, he has proven his effectiveness now in the Middle East, and we hope that his talents will further contribute to the work on the Ukrainian track as well,” said the spokesman for the Russian president.
Peskov also said that “the Russian side remains open to dialogue” and expects that “US influence will encourage Ukraine to be more active in the peace process.”
Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine
On October 13, US President Donald Trump, speaking in the Israeli parliament, called on his special envoy Steve Witkoff, after the end of the conflict in Gaza, to focus on Russia — specifically on resolving the war in Ukraine.
“That would be great if we could make a peace deal with them (Iran - ed.), would it be nice?.. But first, we have to get Russia done. If you don't mind, Steve (referring to special envoy Steve Witkoff - ed.), let's focus on Russia,” the US president said.
Trump, despite his earlier confidence that he would be able to persuade Russia to make peace, recently admitted that ending the war in Ukraine would be more difficult than ending the war in Gaza.
This statement came amid massive Russian attacks on Ukraine, which have only intensified following Trump’s meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
After the US-Russia leaders’ summit, a possible meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin was discussed, but the latter reacted skeptically and voiced conditions that were unacceptable to Kyiv.
For example, Putin said he was ready for talks if Zelenskyy came to Moscow.
Zelenskyy commented on such conditions by saying that Russia has no real intention to sit down at the negotiating table and conclude peace. As a result, the prospects for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have been exhausted.
Meanwhile, a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump is expected on October 17, where the main topic will be strengthening Ukraine’s defense — including the possible supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles.
Witkoff’s success in resolving the Gaza war
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff was directly involved in the peaceful resolution of the war between Israel and Palestinian groups.
For example, in August, Witkoff visited the Gaza Strip to help Trump draft a peace plan, which ultimately produced results.
