The Kremlin said on Monday it appreciated the diplomatic efforts of US special envoy Steve Witkoff to stop the war in Ukraine but declined to comment on his optimistic statement that a deal would be reached soon, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, are expected to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin later today. The Kremlin said they would give a briefing afterwards.
Earlier today, Steve Witkoff said there had been "major progress" in the peace talks on Ukraine and that there is only one last issue left to be resolved.
"If both sides want to resolve this issue, then it will be resolved," Witkoff said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. "I think we have made a lot of progress," he added.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said "a lot of progress" had been made in the peace talks for Ukraine and that there is only one last issue left to be resolved, Reuters reported.
The United States has held talks with Russia, as well as separately with Kiev and with European leaders, in which they have discussed various options for a plan to end the war in Ukraine, but despite repeated promises by President Donald Trump to conclude an agreement, such an agreement has not yet been reached.
"If both sides want to resolve this issue, then it will be resolved," Witkoff said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. "I think we've made a lot of progress," he added.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump told delegates at the Davos forum that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine would have to be "stupid" not to agree and reach an agreement.
Witkoff also said he would travel to Moscow later in the day.
He made his statement during a working breakfast discussing the future of Ukraine, attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Rutte expressed confidence that Trump was committed to Ukraine's independence and sovereignty.
"I've never doubted that," he said. "We must not lose sight of Ukraine," Rutte added.