The United States expects the Ukrainian government to support agreements reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump during their latest phone conversation, according to U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff. Speaking to Fox News, Witkoff revealed that discussions had narrowed key issues and progressed toward a ceasefire agreement.
Witkoff disclosed that he had two extensive meetings with President Putin, lasting approximately three and a half hours and four hours, respectively. These discussions, he noted, yielded significant advancements. The primary focus was achieving a ceasefire, particularly in relation to energy infrastructure and maritime activities in the Black Sea.
“We actually really narrowed the issues, certainly from the Russian standpoint. We were immediately in discussions on tangible, granular ways to move forward towards a ceasefire,” Witkoff stated. He emphasized that both Russia and the U.S. had agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and to a moratorium on hostilities in the Black Sea. He expressed hope that Ukraine would support these measures.
While certain details still need to be finalized, negotiations are set to continue on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The talks will involve a U.S. delegation led by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Witkoff, these discussions are expected to pave the way for a full ceasefire.
“We’ve got to figure out the details. The point is that up until recently, we really didn’t have consensus around these two aspects the energy and infrastructure ceasefire and the Black Sea moratorium on firing. And today we got to that place, and I think it’s a relatively short distance to a full ceasefire from there,” Witkoff elaborated.
He also praised President Putin for his willingness to engage constructively, stating that the Russian leader acknowledged the need to reduce battlefield casualties.
With diplomatic efforts intensifying, the focus now shifts to Ukraine’s response and its willingness to align with the agreements forged between the U.S. and Russia. If successful, these negotiations could mark a significant step toward ending hostilities and stabilizing the region.
