Witkoff hopes peace is getting closer after Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi
Photo: Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy of the US President (Getty Images)
Following the talks in Abu Dhabi, there is hope for progress toward lasting peace, US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff says, according to Russian media.
Russian propagandists asked Witkoff how he currently assesses the prospects for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Donald Trump's special envoy expressed hope that peace had indeed moved closer following the trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi.
"I hope so," Witkoff replied.
On November 12, Donald Trump's special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on an official visit. Their meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is scheduled to take place in the first half of the day.
The main goal of the talks is to discuss the results of the meeting between delegations from Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi, which took place the previous day.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Witkoff and Kushner could influence Putin's position on the war against Ukraine.
"Based on what he (Putin - ed.) hears from the Americans, he will determine our future positions," the Russian diplomat claimed.
He also stated that Moscow's future course would be shaped in such a way as to achieve the goals of the "special military operation" outlined by Putin in June 2024.
After the talks with the Kremlin chief, Witkoff and Kushner are reportedly expected to travel to a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Russia refused to discuss a ceasefire with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.
