Steve Witkoff, special envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, stated on Sunday that he does not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to expand his influence across Europe.
Speaking on Fox News, Witkoff sought to downplay concerns that concessions in Ukraine might embolden Russia to target other European nations.
“Not Like World War II”
“I just don’t see that he wants to take over all of Europe,” Witkoff said, as reported by Digi24. “This is a very different situation from World War II,” he added, referencing the Soviet army’s advance into Berlin during the conflict with Nazi Germany.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns among NATO allies that a soft response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could embolden Moscow to pursue broader territorial ambitions.
Saudi Talks Could Yield Progress
Witkoff also commented on the high-level discussions currently underway in Riyadh, where U.S. and Ukrainian officials are meeting to explore the terms of a potential ceasefire with Russia. He indicated that “real progress” is expected from Monday’s sessions.
A source within the Ukrainian delegation confirmed to AFP that talks began on Sunday evening, marking another step in diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the two-year war.
The Trump administration has recently increased its involvement in the conflict’s diplomatic track, signaling a shift in approach that emphasizes negotiation over military escalation. However, critics caution that underestimating Putin’s intentions may undermine long-term security planning in Europe.
While Witkoff’s comments suggest a more restrained view of Russian ambitions, they also highlight the Trump administration’s supposed emphasis on diplomacy as a preferred path forward in managing the conflict.
