Steve Witkoff, who is mediating for the United States in talks between Ukraine and Russia, indicated Thursday that several European countries may take part in the next round of talks, Reuters reported, citing Russian media. The U.S. mediators, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, held talks with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
“The Europeans will be present at the next meeting,” Witkoff told reporters after the talks with the Russian leader ended.
“They are our partners, and it is important to them to take part in this,” the American negotiator added. Witkoff stressed that he and Kushner “are positive” and hope that “everything will work out.”
According to CNN, Witkoff said a date had been agreed for the next round of negotiations on setting the terms for ending the war in Ukraine. The network did not say when it would take place.
“This conflict has to be brought to an end. President (Donald) Trump intends to bring it to an end, and we hear that both sides place great emphasis on ending it,” Kushner said.
The American negotiators will travel from Moscow to Dublin, the capital of Ireland, where they will brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the outcome of the conversation with Putin, as well as on the conclusions from the two-day negotiations that ended Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
“We will give Mr. Zelensky information on the results we have managed to achieve, including at today’s meeting,” Witkoff said. The U.S. president’s envoys, who mediated the talks in the UAE, are now briefing the leaders of the parties concerned on what was agreed. Witkoff did not rule out announcing a date for further talks after speaking with Zelensky; they are tentatively set to take place next week. (PAP)
