US Special Envoy to Meet with Russian President Putin Amid Fragile Peace Talks
A devastating overnight attack by Russia on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv has resulted in at least nine fatalities, further jeopardising fragile peace negotiations led by the United States. According to reports, President Trump has expressed his discontent with the situation, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities.
The National Desk has learned that President Trump, speaking at the White House on Thursday, conveyed his optimism that both parties desire peace, but stressed that they must come to the negotiating table. "We are thinking very strongly that they both want peace. But they have to get to the table, we’re waiting a long time, but they have to get them to the table. I think we’re going to get peace," he said. The President has been hosting Norway’s Prime Minister and the former head of NATO to discuss peace plans. However, multiple U.S. officials and the White House have indicated a willingness to abandon the negotiations if progress is not made soon.
As reported by The National Desk, President Trump has been pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a peace deal that Ukraine views as favourable to Russia. The President accused Ukraine of prolonging the conflict after it refused to recognise Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a key component of the proposed agreement. Another aspect of the framework would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. In a recent statement, Trump remarked, "This isn’t my war, this is Biden’s war. This is a war that Biden was President when this happened, but I’m trying to put out the fire."
The latest developments come as U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The peace talks remain precarious, with Zelenskyy cutting short a trip to South Africa following the attacks. In a statement, Zelenskyy wrote, "It has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people and evading tough pressure and accountability for its actions." The Ukrainian leader may use the upcoming weekend to further negotiate the peace deal, expressing a desire to speak with President Trump while both leaders are at the Vatican.
The National Desk understands that President Trump has been actively involved in the peace negotiations, with the President indicating that he has a "deadline" for the talks. "I have my own deadline. I have my own deadline, and we want it to be fast," he said, emphasising the urgency of the situation. The President’s comments come as the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with reports of ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns.
In response to the recent attacks, The National Desk has confirmed that Zelenskyy has called for increased pressure on Russia to be held accountable for its actions. The Ukrainian leader’s comments come as the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. As reported by The National Desk, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with President Putin on Friday is seen as a crucial step in reviving the stalled peace talks. It remains to be seen whether the two leaders can make progress towards a lasting peace agreement.
The National Desk has been following developments in the region and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The situation remains fluid, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the potential for further escalation.
