Trump Envoy Advocates Kremlin’s Stance on Ukraine Before Peace Talks
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s chief negotiator, mirrors Kremlin views on Ukraine ahead of peace talks in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing U.S.-Russia business relations. He claimed most Eastern Ukrainians prefer Russian governance and outlined a vision for reshaped ties post-invasion. Negotiations aim to prolong a cease-fire, amidst ongoing military actions. Witkoff’s comments signal a complex geopolitical landscape for Ukraine’s future security.
Ahead of peace discussions in Saudi Arabia, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s chief negotiator, made statements echoing the Kremlin’s position on the Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the importance of U.S.-Russian relations through shared business interests. Witkoff described his vision for reshaping the relationships following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine with insights from his meetings with President Vladimir Putin.
During an interview, Witkoff reiterated Moscow’s claims that the majority of individuals in eastern Ukraine wish to be governed by Russia, citing Kremlin-run referendums that the West has dismissed as illegitimate. He raised concerns about Ukraine’s President Zelensky’s political future depending on whether the world acknowledges these regions as Russian territory.
At the Saudi Arabia talks, U.S. officials aimed to negotiate an extension of a cease-fire, facilitating maritime trade in the Black Sea. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed the initiative to allow both sides to transport grain and fuel, aiming for future discussions on lines of control and broader peace, including discussions around territorial issues.
Ukrainian drones have significantly reduced the effectiveness of the Russian Black Sea fleet, while Russia has conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian port cities. Both parties will not meet directly, instead relaying messages through U.S. mediators. Witkoff presented himself as an impartial participant in the peace process, emphasizing the Trump administration’s role in negotiating potential agreements between the two countries.
The latest negotiations include prominent Russian officials close to President Putin, with Ukraine represented by its defense minister discussing the protection of critical infrastructure. Russian military actions continue to cause civilian casualties in Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing hostilities.
Witkoff’s previous meetings with Putin revealed a personal exchange, including a commissioned portrait of Trump by the Russian president. He noted that the current U.S. sanctions against Russia complicate cooperation and emphasized a future with positive U.S.-Russian relations without detailing security arrangements for Ukraine or European concerns about Russian militarization.
Negotiations are occurring without European allies, causing concern over a possible unfavorable deal for Ukraine. Witkoff stated Ukraine has largely abandoned its NATO membership aspirations, suggesting potential future European or U.S. security guarantees. Conversely, recent U.S. military aid to Ukraine, halted earlier, resumed after discussions about ensuring Ukrainian defenses without leaving European partners vulnerable to Russian aggression.
European leaders remain cautious about Russia’s intentions and the risks of a settlement that might allow further military threats down the line, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and NATO’s position.
The article discusses U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff’s alignment with Kremlin narratives on Ukraine while promoting a business-centric approach to U.S.-Russian relations. Key negotiations aim at extending cease-fires and maritime trade, amidst ongoing military tensions. Witkoff’s remarks on security guarantees highlight complexities in Ukraine’s geopolitical aspirations, raising concerns about the future stability in Eastern Europe as the U.S. engages directly with Russia, sidelining European allies.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
