Special representative of US President Steve Witcoff spoke about his last meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, at which, he said, the potential ways of reaching peace between Russia and Ukraine were discussed. The statement was heard during an interview for Bloomberg on April 15 and has already caused widespread resonance in both international political circles and media.
According to Witcoff, the conversation with Putin was constructive and "convincing". It was not only a possible termination of hostilities, but also about the prospects of post -war restoration and establishment of economic ties between the US and Russia.
Although the negotiation details are not disclosed, Vitcoff emphasized that the main point in the potential peace agreement is the so -called "five territories". What territories are referred to, it did not specify, but it is suggested that the Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia - probably, it is Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson region and Crimea.
"This peace agreement applies to these so -called five territories, but in fact it covers much more issues than territorial," Vitcoff said. He added that the result of negotiations can have far -reaching security effects not only in Europe but all over the world.
According to the specialist, Putin allegedly asked him to help ensure a "constant peace". Witcoff noted that the discussion process was not easy and took a long time, but the parties reached some understanding of the general direction.
He has repeatedly emphasized the possibility of "historical transformation" of relations between the US and Russia, if it is possible to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
Vitcoff also raised the topic of economic cooperation in the event of the end of the war. In his opinion, a peace agreement can create "very attractive commercial opportunities", which will contribute to stability in the region in the future. In particular, he suggested that after the removal or mitigation of sanctions, Russia could again integrate into the world economy, and Western investors - to restore the presence in its markets.
Officials in the United States have not yet confirmed Vitcoff's status as an Ombudsman on behalf of the White House Administration. The State Department and the White House are maintained from comments on its statements. This raises the question of the legitimacy of negotiations, and is also concerned about in Kiev, where traditionally skeptical of any "informal" arrangements that can contradict the official position of the Ukrainian government.
Official Kyiv has not yet commented on Vitcoff's statement. At the same time, Ukrainian diplomats have repeatedly emphasized that any termination of the war is possible only under the conditions of complete restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity in the internationally recognized borders of 1991.
