Sun Mar 23 19:08:06 UTC 2025: ## Trump Envoy Predicts Breakthrough in Russia-Ukraine Talks
**Washington, March 24, 2025** – U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism on Sunday about the prospects for a breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, predicting significant progress in talks scheduled for Monday in Saudi Arabia. Witkoff told Fox News he expects a Black Sea ceasefire regarding shipping, leading to a broader cessation of hostilities. He expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin desires peace, despite Russia’s ongoing occupation of Ukrainian territory.
Witkoff’s statements mark a stark departure from the previous U.S. administration’s stance, which viewed Russia as the aggressor. He emphasized the need for understanding both sides’ grievances and mediating a resolution, stating that the situation is not as “black and white” as often portrayed. He dismissed concerns about further Russian expansion into Ukraine or Europe as “academic,” asserting that the priority is ending the violence.
Acknowledging that Russia considers occupied Ukrainian territories as its own, based on disputed referendums, Witkoff stressed he was merely outlining the issues at hand, not taking sides. This acknowledgment further highlights the significant shift in U.S. policy under President Trump. The news comes amidst renewed violence; Ukraine reported a deadly drone attack on Kyiv on Sunday. Separately, a fatality was reported in Rostov, Russia, which authorities attribute to Ukrainian drone strikes. International reaction to the envoy’s statements is varied; Norway, for instance, has cautioned against making concessions to Russia.
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