Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism ahead of the former president’s phone call with Vladimir Putin, calling it a potential “success” that could help end the Ukraine conflict. This follows the first direct Russia-Ukraine talks in three years, which saw a prisoner exchange and renewed ceasefire discussions. Witkoff said Trump aims for a stable truce and final peace deal, warning that if diplomacy stalls, “crushing sanctions” await Moscow. Putin, however, insists talks must address NATO concerns and that Ukraine must halt mobilization and weapons inflow to ensure a lasting ceasefire.
