Trump Envoy Reports Ukraine Progress After Putin Talks
“Great progress” cited amid ongoing hostilities and sanctions debate.
US President Donald Trump has declared “great progress” has been achieved in discussions concerning Ukraine, following a meeting between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Constructive Dialogue in Moscow
Trump described the Moscow talks as “highly productive” via his Truth Social platform. The Kremlin confirmed “constructive” discussions occurred, with foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stating that both sides exchanged “signals” and explored potential strategic cooperation. Details remain limited until Witkoff briefs the US President.
Just had a very productive meeting with President Putin of Russia. We discussed Ukraine and many other topics. Great progress has been made. Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come. More to follow.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 2, 2024
The meeting preceded a critical deadline for Trump to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump indicated he had briefed European allies on the talks, stating a collective desire to see the war conclude.
“Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come.”
—Donald Trump, President of the United States
White House Open to Leader Summit
The White House later informed the BBC that Russia had expressed interest in a meeting with the US President. Trump is reportedly “open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky.” His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, affirmed, “President Trump wants this brutal war to end.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed his own discussion with Trump regarding Witkoff‘s visit, with European leaders also participating. He echoed the sentiment, stating, “The war must end.” Zelensky has previously suggested that Russia would only seriously consider peace when its financial resources are depleted.
Tensions Persist Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Wednesday’s discussions appeared amicable, with images showing Putin and Witkoff smiling and shaking hands at the Kremlin. This comes despite Trump‘s growing frustration with stalled negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Russia’s military and political conditions for peace remain unacceptable to Ukraine and its Western allies, who have also rejected Kyiv’s requests for a direct meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Putin.
Trump has previously threatened significant sanctions against Russia, including secondary sanctions on those trading with it, if steps are not taken to end the conflict. In a related move, the US administration announced an additional 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil, effective August 27, citing India’s stance on the war.
US Continues Military Support for Ukraine
On Tuesday, the US approved $200 million in additional military sales to Ukraine. This decision followed a phone call between Presidents Zelensky and Trump, where defense cooperation and drone production were discussed. Ukraine has been utilizing drones against Russian refineries and energy facilities, while Russia continues its aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities.
Recent attacks underscore the ongoing violence. An assault on Kyiv last week resulted in at least 32 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest strikes on the capital since the invasion began. Meanwhile, a Russian attack on a holiday camp in Zaporizhzhia left two dead and 12 injured, which Zelensky condemned as “cruelty to scare people.” As of May 2024, the conflict has displaced over 6.4 million Ukrainians, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR Data).
