The Trump administration is making big moves to end the war in Ukraine. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff says President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin are close to a deal. After secret talks, both sides agreed to stop attacks on energy sites. This could lead to a 30-day ceasefire while they work on a permanent peace plan.
Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow last week. They talked about ending fights along the Ukraine-Russia border. Putin asked how to get Ukrainian soldiers to surrender without more bloodshed. Witkoff called the talks “positive” and said Trump is pushing hard to stop the fighting. The envoy believes Putin wants peace, despite what critics say.
Some in Europe worry Russia might invade other countries if a deal happens. But Witkoff disagrees. “I don’t see Putin wanting to take all of Europe,” he told Fox News. He compared today’s situation to World War Two, saying things are different now. The focus is on saving lives, not letting Russia expand.
Next week, teams from Ukraine and Russia will meet in Saudi Arabia. They’ll discuss a ceasefire for ships in the Black Sea. If that works, it could stop all shooting on land too. Ukraine already accepted Trump’s 30-day ceasefire idea. Russia is still thinking about it but seems open to talks.
President Trump stays hands-on with the negotiations. Witkoff updates him after every meeting. The two leaders plan to speak directly this week. Trump’s team says this is the closest they’ve been to peace since the war started.
Not everyone trusts Putin. Western leaders say he can’t be believed. But Witkoff argues there’s “another side to the story.” He says Trump’s deal protects Europe by making Ukraine stronger. The plan includes help from France, Britain, and other allies to guard Ukraine’s future.
The ceasefire would let farmers ship food through the Black Sea again. That’s huge for global food prices. It also stops bombings that hurt regular people. Witkoff calls these steps “common sense” and says most Europeans support Trump’s plan.
If the ceasefire holds, it would be a huge win for American leadership. Critics said Trump couldn’t handle foreign policy, but this proves them wrong. With Trump’s team at the table, there’s real hope to end this war without sending U.S. troops.
