Witkoff to meet with Russian officials again as US seeks Moscow's approval for peace framework - CNN
Photo: US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (Getty Images)
The US aims to arrange another meeting between Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian side to discuss the end of the war in Ukraine, informs CNN.
According to media reports, next Friday, the US, along with European countries and Ukraine, plans to finalize certain elements of a framework agreement on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. The new meeting between the parties will take place in London.
At the same time, the Trump administration plans another meeting between Witkoff and Russian representatives to persuade Moscow to join the document.
As CNN writes, the US proposal (the framework agreement) for ending the war includes a ceasefire along the front line. The Trump administration is also prepared to recognize Russian control over Crimea.
According to a source, the respective framework was presented to the Europeans and Ukrainian representatives in Paris on Thursday. It was also shared with the Russians during a phone conversation between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Putin announces 30-hour ceasefire
About a month ago, Bloomberg reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump intended to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine by April 20. However, soon after, the White House suggested that achieving this goal by that deadline would not be possible.
In March, Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire. However, Russia agreed only to a partial one, which it did not adhere to.
Today, on April 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a so-called Easter ceasefire for 30 hours. According to him, he ordered all hostilities to cease starting at 6:00 PM until April 21, Moscow time. However, it remains unclear whether this ceasefire will actually take place.
