WASHINGTON – A senior adviser at the White House, Steve Witkov, expressed his hope for a face-to-face meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“I hope so,” Witkov remarked during an interview with Breitbart News last week at the White House, filmed early Thursday afternoon, when asked if such a summit might occur soon.
Witkov has offered his services as a mediator. Since the interview, both sides have reportedly arranged several days of ceasefires, and there are emerging suggestions of a potential summit in Turkey.
President Donald Trump, along with Witkov, is traveling to the Middle East for meetings in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. However, it seems feasible for either to divert to Istanbul for a meeting if the reports hold true. The interviews occurred before these possibilities came to light, yet indications suggest there may be validity in them.
“I think that’s completely possible,” Witkov told Breitbart News regarding the prospect of a Zelensky-Putin peace summit. “If the U.S. were to withdraw from this conflict, indicating that it’s not our war, I believe that’s a subpar outcome for everyone—Europeans, Russians, and beyond. The alternative to a peaceful solution falls squarely on our shoulders.”
Witkov characterized the war as a “silly war” that “had to happen,” asserting it likely wouldn’t have escalated if Trump were in the White House when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. With Democratic President Joe Biden at the helm, the war has persisted for over three years. Trump has committed to ending the conflict during his 2024 campaign and is actively working with Witkov, who serves as a chief envoy on both sides. Besides Witkov, notable figures like Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Scott Bescent were also sent to facilitate the conflict’s resolution.
“The president has stated, and we believe him, it’s a foolish war that didn’t need to happen,” Witkov shared with Breitbart News. “If it weren’t for questionable elections, it wouldn’t have escalated like this. Hence, we need to gather everyone in one room. Dialogue paves the way for solutions. We must facilitate a direct conversation between Ukrainians and Russians. This is a brutal conflict, and if you genuinely seek to enhance your society, you will want peace as well. We’ve offered our time and resources to assist in this endeavor.
Witkov stated Trump “issued an ultimatum” to both political factions.
“The president has informed both sides that without in-person discussions occurring promptly, the implications of this conflict for the United States should prompt a retreat, even if we’re not directly involved,” Witkov explained. “We aim to mediate. This is not our war. We didn’t start it, but we want to help conclude it. This necessitates a ceasefire—stopping the violence and dedicating some time to address the core issues at hand.”
The critical unresolved matters include territorial disputes in Ukraine, the status of a significant nuclear power plant currently shut down, and Ukraine’s access to vital waterways.
“I believe the core issues are related to the region and the nuclear facilities. It’s significant how Ukrainians utilize the Dnieper River to reach the sea,” Witkov explained. “We have yet to narrow down the contentious points and rethink compromises that address each party’s concerns. That’s where progress can be made.
When asked about these lingering issues, Witkov elaborated that Ukraine has five regions currently experiencing tensions. He mentioned that Zaporozhye, a non-operational nuclear power plant, is “somewhat of a crown jewel” given its electricity output, which plays a crucial role in the discussions. Additionally, how Ukraine accesses the Black Sea, linking to the Mediterranean, is of key importance.
“I believe we’ve made strides in pinpointing the problems,” Witkov noted. “The main conflict areas are in five regions. Russia has significant control over two, while Ukraine maintains some influence over the remaining three. Disparities exist regarding the front lines and troop placements. Russia appears to be implementing administrative changes as well. The challenge remains that we haven’t enabled both sides to sit at the same table.”
Witkov has engaged with both prominent Ukrainian and Russian officials as one of Trump’s leading envoys to negotiate peace. Despite facing criticism for a recent meeting with Putin, he stands by his actions, feeling confident and proud of the dialogues he has conducted.
“I’ve engaged with both sides because, without conversation, how can we mediate or find a resolution?” Witkov stated. “I spoke with Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky, their Defense Minister, and others. The discussions have been fruitful, establishing a positive rapport. I’ve communicated with national security advisers from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy. The notion that talking to President Putin is objectionable baffles me. Engaging with all parties is essential. Every stakeholder in this conflict must be brought to the table. We must form our own understanding rather than relying on another’s interpretation. That’s how we reach a solution—by putting ourselves in their positions and evaluating how we can accommodate their needs. It requires mutual understanding.”
