Witkoff Presses Putin for Ceasefire Amidst Intensifying Conflict

Steve Witkoff's negotiations with Putin highlight ongoing tensions as allies pledge significant military aid to Ukraine.

 

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, amidst escalating concerns over the ongoing war in Ukraine. This marks Witkoff's third meeting this year, reflecting the challenges the US has faced in securing a ceasefire from Russia. Former President Donald Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with the current situation, stating on social media, "Russia has to get moving. Too many people are DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war."

The timing of the meeting coincides with a gathering of Ukraine’s allies in Brussels, hosted by the UK and Germany, where representatives from 50 nations pledged €21bn (£18.2bn) in military support for Kyiv. Ahead of the St Petersburg discussions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tempered expectations, emphasizing that "there's no need to expect breakthroughs" and asserting that efforts to normalize relations are ongoing. As the conflict continues, the urgency for peace negotiations grows.