Trump administration seeks Ukraine war end by April 20: Bloomberg
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A US delegation, headed by US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, is making its way to Saudi Arabia for meetings with Russian officials.
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President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Daytona Beach International Airport in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Febuary 16, 2025, en route to NASCAR's Daytona 500. (AP)
The Trump administration seeks to end the war in Ukraine and achieve a ceasefire by April 20, Bloomberg reported, citing informed sources.
A US delegation is heading to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for talks with Russian officials, Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy to the Middle East stated, expressing optimism regarding progress in negotiations.
Speaking to Fox News, Witkoff revealed his visit to the Kingdom, alongside National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, saying "hopefully we'll make some really good progress with regard to Russia, Ukraine."
Witkoff also stated that he disagreed with concerns from some US allies about Ukraine being excluded from the negotiations, despite the absence of Kiev’s representatives in Saudi Arabia.
When asked if the US anticipates Ukraine having to surrender "a significant portion of its land," Witkoff emphasized that the priority is first to establish "trust building" with Moscow.
Read more: Trump: Ukraine 'may be Russian someday'
Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, dismissed Saturday claims that Ukraine would take part in an upcoming meeting between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia.
"There is nothing on the negotiating table that would be worth discussing," Podolyak said on Ukrainian television, emphasizing that "Russia is not ready for negotiations."
On the same day, Politico reported, citing a Republican lawmaker and two US officials familiar with the matter, that representatives from all three countries were set to meet in the coming days.
However, the news website later updated its report, noting that a Ukrainian official had confirmed the announcement came as a surprise to Kiev and that there were no plans to send a Ukrainian delegation.
Read more: Trump to reconsider Ukraine stance if talks reach impasse: VP Vance
