Witkoff to propose talks with Trump and Zelenskyy to Putin
Photo: Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Russian officials to discuss proposals to end the war in Ukraine during his visit to Russia. The trip could be a step toward arranging a meeting between the leaders — Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and President Vladimir Putin, Politico reports.
What is known about Witkoff's visit to Russia
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told reporters after a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Witkoff in Oslo that the latter would travel to St. Petersburg, where he would meet with Russian officials.
"Steve Witkoff will fly tomorrow to St. Petersburg where he will be meeting with Russian leadership and exchange ideas from this meeting and the proposals that have been worked on by European and American colleagues, and possibly pave the way for a meeting at leaders’ level," Støre said.
Thus, Witkoff is expected to convey to Moscow the proposals discussed by US and European officials. One possible outcome of these contacts could be the organization of talks involving the presidents of Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
What Zelenskyy and Trump say
After the talks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of a possible trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin. According to him, there are issues that only the leaders of the countries themselves can resolve.
Zelenskyy also noted that further developments would depend on the Russian side's position.
"Steve is going to Russia tomorrow. Let's see what Putin has to say," the Ukrainian president said.
Meanwhile, Trump previously suggested that Putin and Zelenskyy did not necessarily have to meet in person to reach a peace agreement. According to him, an agreement could also be pursued through other means.
On October 20, Witkoff traveled to Norway for talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders. After that, he intends to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the talks, Zelenskyy said that Witkoff would convey proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine to Russia.
