Source Credit: Arab News
WASHINGTON: Steve Witkoff, special envoy to current U.S. President Donald Trump, announced Thursday that discussions are underway with Ukraine to establish a peace framework to end hostilities with Russia. A meeting with Ukrainian officials is planned next week in Saudi Arabia, likely in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday, a day before high-level discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials. "After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace," Zelensky posted.
Trump also revealed plans to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, saying the trip is expected within the next month and a half.
Tensions between Trump and Zelensky were evident during their February 28 meeting at the White House, but both sides have since resumed negotiations, including discussions on a revenue-sharing minerals deal.
During a speech to Congress on Tuesday, Trump stated he had received a letter from Zelensky expressing Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace talks "as soon as possible."
Witkoff emphasized that the upcoming Saudi Arabia meeting aims to establish a framework for peace negotiations and a potential ceasefire. "I think the idea is to get a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well," he said.
