Witkoff Visits Russia for Third Meeting with Putin Amid Ukraine Talks

Steve Witkoff heads to Russia for a third meeting with Putin to address the Ukraine conflict. Trump, frustrated by slow progress, may consider new sanctions if no ceasefire is reached. Recent diplomatic interactions include a prisoner exchange and a meeting in Istanbul over normalizing relations.

Steve Witkoff, the Special Envoy to the Middle East for US President Donald Trump, is currently heading to Russia for his third meeting with President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for April 11. This meeting aims to advance efforts for a resolution to the ongoing conflict stemming from Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as reported by Axios and confirmed through FlightRadar data.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump has expressed frustration over the lack of significant progress, reportedly feeling “very angry” due to Putin’s comments about Ukraine. Additionally, there are concerns that without a ceasefire by month-end, Trump may introduce new sanctions on Russia, either by executive action or through Congress.

The diplomatic undertakings include Witkoff’s recent hosting of Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy, in Washington, seeking ways to resolve stalemates. Moreover, a prisoner exchange between the US and Russia was finalized on April 10, involving the release of dual national Ksenia Karelinа, stemming from prior discussions Witkoff held with Putin in March. American and Russian diplomats also convened in Istanbul on the same day to address the normalization of bilateral relations.

Steve Witkoff’s upcoming meeting with Putin represents an ongoing initiative by the Trump administration to secure progress in resolving the Ukraine conflict. Trump’s frustration over the stagnant talks coupled with recent diplomatic interactions highlights the complexities in US-Russia relations and the potential for forthcoming sanctions if progress is not made by the month’s end.

Original Source: www.pravda.com.ua