**US Envoy Sees Hope for Constructive Outcome in Trump-Putin Call**
As President Donald Trump prepares to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that the conversation will lead to a constructive outcome. In an interview on Sunday’s episode of “This Week,” Witkoff stated that he believes Trump will have a successful call with Putin.
Witkoff emphasized that the two leaders know each other and are determined to get something done. He noted that in any negotiation, people take positions, but the key is to narrow the differences between parties. The US envoy expressed confidence that Monday’s call will go a long way towards identifying where the two sides stand and how they can complete the negotiation.
**European Leaders Weigh In Ahead of Trump-Putin Call**
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Sunday that he and the leaders of Britain, France, and Poland plan to speak with President Trump ahead of his conversation with Putin. This move comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the sidelines of Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in Rome.
Zelenskyy characterized his meeting with Vance as “productive” and noted that they discussed the recent direct Ukraine-Russia talks held in Istanbul. While both sides agreed on a prisoner exchange, Russia rejected Ukraine’s proposed 30-day ceasefire and maintained territorial demands that Kyiv dismissed as unserious.
**Diplomatic Efforts Intensify Ahead of Trump-Putin Call**
The diplomatic efforts follow the first direct Ukraine-Russia talks in over three years, which took place recently in Istanbul. Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV after the papal inauguration and thanked the Holy See for offering to host future Ukraine-Russia talks.
As tensions remain high between Russia and Ukraine, these diplomatic efforts aim to bridge differences and move towards a complete ceasefire. With Trump’s calls with Putin, Zelenskyy, and NATO allies scheduled soon, the international community is watching closely to see if these talks will yield meaningful results.
**What Does It Mean?**
The optimism expressed by US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff ahead of Monday’s call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin highlights the complexities of diplomatic efforts. The meeting comes as Ukraine-Russia tensions remain high, with both sides struggling to find common ground.
The participation of European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, indicates a desire for international cooperation in addressing this crisis. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meetings with US officials demonstrate Kyiv’s commitment to genuine diplomacy and a complete ceasefire.
As the world waits with bated breath for Monday’s call between Trump and Putin, one thing is certain: these diplomatic efforts will be closely watched, and any positive outcome would be a welcome step towards resolving this long-standing conflict.
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