U.S. envoy Witkoff: Confident Putin isn't eyeing Europe takeover
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, expressed confidence in Vladimir Putin, stating that he does not believe Putin intends to take over Europe. The Russian press has responded positively to this sentiment with enthusiastic articles. Witkoff's interview with Fox News is featured prominently on the front pages of Russian newspapers.
What do you need to know?
- U.S.-Russian talks: Further negotiations are planned in Riyadh regarding a ceasefire in Russia's conflict with Ukraine.
- Steve Witkoff's statement: The U.S. special envoy expressed doubts that Putin seeks to take control of all of Europe.
- The Kremlin’s reaction: Russian newspapers are reprinting Witkoff's Fox News interview. "US & Russian officials are now speaking the same language…for the first time in years the White House & the Kremlin are openly demonstrating their mutual attraction," report Russian media outlets.
What are the plans for talks in Riyadh?
Further talks between the U.S. and Russia about a ceasefire in Ukraine are scheduled to take place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This meeting continues earlier discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations. "I take him at his word," Witkoff said on Fox News, referring to Putin's intentions.
What did Steve Witkoff say about Putin?
Steve Witkoff, in his role as the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, shared his views on Vladimir Putin’s motives. "I simply have said that I just don't see that he wants to take all of Europe," Witkoff stated, highlighting that the current situation is different from World War II when NATO did not exist.
What were the reactions of the Russian media?
Russian newspapers prominently feature information about the peace talks in Riyadh on their front pages. They generally refer to these discussions as "Trump’s Ukrainian plans."
These articles provide an opportunity for comments on the alleged community of interests and common language. "US & Russian officials are now speaking the same language…for the first time in years the White House & the Kremlin are openly demonstrating their mutual attraction," report Russian media. Witkoff's words, during a conversation with Tucker Carlson from Fox News, are also quoted. When asked if he believes that the Russians want to march across Europe, he replied, "one hundred percent no."
