Trump envoy predicts Ukraine ceasefire 'within weeks'
Steve Witkoff has indicated that sanctions on Russia are likely to be eased following the establishment of a ceasefire agreement. According to Witkoff, a complete ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict could be realized within “a couple of weeks.”...
TroibNews 
Steve Witkoff has indicated that sanctions on Russia are likely to be eased following the establishment of a ceasefire agreement.
According to Witkoff, a complete ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict could be realized within “a couple of weeks.” He stated that the sanctions implemented by the United States against Moscow might be relaxed once a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Witkoff described the recent phone call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as “epic” and “transformational.” He noted that “President Trump and President Putin were in sync with one another,” emphasizing that the call was “outcome-oriented.”
The two leaders reportedly agreed to a “cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, from both [Russia and Ukraine], and civilian infrastructure for that matter.” They also committed to working “toward a Black Sea moratorium on hits on naval vessels and freighters carrying grain and things of that sort.”
Witkoff expressed optimism that these preliminary measures would “evolve into a full-on ceasefire,” acknowledging the complexities involved due to “a 2,000-kilometer border,” the Kursk region in Russia, and numerous specifics to consider.
Regarding a report from the Russian Defense Ministry about their air defenses shooting down drones aimed at Ukrainian energy infrastructure after receiving an order to halt such attacks, Witkoff told Bloomberg TV, “I tend to believe that President Putin is operating in good faith.”
He stated that more progress had been made on March 18 than in the “last three and a half years,” citing significant “trust-building” steps currently being undertaken.
Witkoff revealed that Trump and Putin discussed how to finalize a comprehensive ceasefire, with technical teams expected to convene in Saudi Arabia beginning next Monday or Tuesday. He asserted, “I actually think in a couple of weeks, we’re gonna get to [a ceasefire].”
When questioned about the possibility of an in-person meeting between Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia, he remarked, “my best bet would be that it’s likely to happen.”
He emphasized the “great rapport” between the two leaders, which he noted has been established since Trump's first term in office and “was on display yesterday.”
While Witkoff acknowledged that the leaders did not specifically discuss sanctions during their conversation, he mentioned that “everybody is open” to future discussions on the topic. He predicted that once a ceasefire is established in Ukraine, “everything else will be a detail: sanction relief and all the other things that go with a full-on peace treaty.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this article for TROIB News
According to Witkoff, a complete ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict could be realized within “a couple of weeks.” He stated that the sanctions implemented by the United States against Moscow might be relaxed once a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Witkoff described the recent phone call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as “epic” and “transformational.” He noted that “President Trump and President Putin were in sync with one another,” emphasizing that the call was “outcome-oriented.”
The two leaders reportedly agreed to a “cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, from both [Russia and Ukraine], and civilian infrastructure for that matter.” They also committed to working “toward a Black Sea moratorium on hits on naval vessels and freighters carrying grain and things of that sort.”
Witkoff expressed optimism that these preliminary measures would “evolve into a full-on ceasefire,” acknowledging the complexities involved due to “a 2,000-kilometer border,” the Kursk region in Russia, and numerous specifics to consider.
Regarding a report from the Russian Defense Ministry about their air defenses shooting down drones aimed at Ukrainian energy infrastructure after receiving an order to halt such attacks, Witkoff told Bloomberg TV, “I tend to believe that President Putin is operating in good faith.”
He stated that more progress had been made on March 18 than in the “last three and a half years,” citing significant “trust-building” steps currently being undertaken.
Witkoff revealed that Trump and Putin discussed how to finalize a comprehensive ceasefire, with technical teams expected to convene in Saudi Arabia beginning next Monday or Tuesday. He asserted, “I actually think in a couple of weeks, we’re gonna get to [a ceasefire].”
When questioned about the possibility of an in-person meeting between Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia, he remarked, “my best bet would be that it’s likely to happen.”
He emphasized the “great rapport” between the two leaders, which he noted has been established since Trump's first term in office and “was on display yesterday.”
While Witkoff acknowledged that the leaders did not specifically discuss sanctions during their conversation, he mentioned that “everybody is open” to future discussions on the topic. He predicted that once a ceasefire is established in Ukraine, “everything else will be a detail: sanction relief and all the other things that go with a full-on peace treaty.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this article for TROIB News
