US envoy sees quick Ukraine peace deal as Zelensky considers exit
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Speaking in an interview with CNN, US Special Envoy Witkoff noted that recent discussions in Saudi Arabia were encouraging, suggesting that a resolution could be achieved soon.
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US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff attends and interview after participating in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, February 18, 2025. (AP)
US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism on Sunday about the possibility of swiftly finalizing a peace agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Witkoff noted that recent discussions in Saudi Arabia were encouraging, suggesting that a resolution could be achieved soon.
"Our conversations in Saudi Arabia, with the Secretary of State and with the National Security Advisor were, in my view, positive, constructive and clearly momentum building. So I would say that I'm optimistic and positive, just as the present president, is that we can get something done rather quickly," Witkoff stated.
The peace negotiations were held in Riyadh, involving US and Russian officials, but excluded Ukrainian representatives, leading to strong criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The head of State warned that Ukraine would not accept any peace deal imposed without its consent, stating that decisions about Ukraine's future "must involve Ukraine."
Zelensky noted that any agreement reached without Ukraine's participation would "lack credibility and sustainability." He accused Washington of undermining Ukraine's sovereignty by engaging in backchannel negotiations with Russia.
Read more: Russia asked US to withdraw NATO from eastern Europe: Financial Times
Zelensky offers to resign for peace or NATO membership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he is willing to resign if it would help bring peace to Ukraine or secure the country's NATO membership. During a press conference in Kiev, Zelensky stated, "If for peace in Ukraine you really need me to step down, I am ready. I also can trade it for NATO, if offered such conditions right away."
This announcement comes amid growing tensions between Zelensky and Trump, following US-Russian talks in Riyadh. According to The Economist, Trump is reportedly looking to "get rid of" Zelensky, signaling a shift in US policy on Ukraine.
Ukraine considering $500 billion mineral deal with US
Meanwhile, negotiations are currently underway between the US and Ukraine over a revised minerals agreement. The proposed deal, expected to be signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, would grant the US access to Ukraine's rare earth resources.
This follows Ukraine's rejection of an earlier proposal offering military aid in exchange for 50% ownership of mineral revenues. The rejection was influenced by Trump's demand for $500 billion in economic returns, encompassing minerals, ports, infrastructure, oil, and gas.
Trump recently defended his stance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), criticizing the structure of US aid to Ukraine compared to European contributions. "Europe gave it in the form of a loan. They get their money back. We gave it in the form of nothing," he said, underscoring his intention to secure compensation for the billions in aid sent to Ukraine.
