
ANDREW NEIL: There's only one grim conclusion from the latest Saudi talks: Trump isn't pursuing a just peace for Ukraine - but an unjust victory for Russia
Daily MailIt is not often one interview causes deep anxiety in Kyiv and general dismay across Europe’s major capitals. All this about a former KGB thug who rules Russia with a totalitarian grip, who has snuffed out any semblance of democracy and who dispatches those dissenters not murdered by state- Rather than dwelling on any of that, Witkoff regaled us with stories of how Putin gave him a portrait of Trump he’d commissioned from Russia’s ‘leading artist’ as a gift for the US President. Witkoff at a campaign rally for Donald Trump in October 2024 But Ukraine and the Nato allies, including America under Joe Biden, have rightly condemned these votes as ‘illegal’ and a ‘sham’. As Witkoff’s praise for Putin poured out, he dismissed Keir Starmer’s efforts to spearhead a European peacekeeping force for Ukraine as a vainglorious effort ‘to be like Winston Churchill’. For Europe, watching the latest round of peace talks in Saudi Arabia this week without any European participation, there is only one grim conclusion from Witkoff’s witterings: Trump sees Ukraine as the enemy from which concessions amounting to conditional surrender must be wrung, while Russia is America’s new ally-to-be, whose grievances have justified its conquests – and which must now be placated as precursor to a new Russo-American alliance.
History of this topic

US, Russia conclude talks over ceasefire in Black Sea amid Ukraine war: How effective were they?
Firstpost
US, Ukraine delegations wrap ceasefire talks in Riyadh – it's Russia's turn to respond
Firstpost
US, Russian officials hold ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia amid continued Ukraine conflict
Firstpost
Ukraine, US hold ‘productive’ talks in Riyadh, discuss ceasefire with Russia
Hindustan Times
After Ukraine, US officials hold talks with Russia to discuss ceasefire: Report
India Today
US talks set on Russia-Ukraine war
China Daily
US-Russia talks on Ukraine war: What’s on the table in Saudi Arabia?
Al Jazeera
US envoy Witkoff optimistic on Ukraine talks, says Putin wants peace
Hindustan Times
Talks to manage Russia-Ukraine war ‘somewhat under control’: Donald Trump
Hindustan Times
Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow hopes for ‘progress’ at Saudi talks as Trump’s envoy calls Putin not a ‘bad guy’
Live Mint
MPs' outrage over 'out of his depth' Donald Trump envoy who 'regurgitates Putin propaganda' about Ukraine - as Brit politicians brand him a 'disgrace'
Daily Mail
US-Ukraine talks underway in Saudi to negotiate partial ceasefire with Russia
India Today
US envoy Witkoff hopeful on ending Ukraine war, says Putin wants peace
India Today
Donald Trump says Ukraine peace talks with Russia include land division discussions
Live Mint
'No care for nationhood': Why Ukraine doesn't trust Russia in ceasefire talks, security expert explains
Firstpost
The long history of Russia's broken promises to Ukraine : Consider This from NPR
NPR
Trump confident of ending Ukraine war after partial peace deal: We're doing well
India Today
Despite Trump's mediation, Ukraine & Russia stand poles apart on peace conditions
Firstpost
After talks with Putin and Zelenskyy, is Trump closer to ending Ukraine war?
Firstpost
Trump says Ukraine truce bid 'on track' after Zelensky call
Deccan Chronicle
Never been closer to peace, says US as Putin, Zelenskyy agree to 30-day truce
India Today
The Trump-Putin phone call gave the Kremlin leader a chance to pivot away from the war in Ukraine
Associated Press
Vladimir Putin wants Donald Trump to formally recognise all land Russia took in Ukraine: Report
Hindustan Times
A US-mediated peace in Ukraine
Hindustan Times
Trump-Putin ceasefire talks: Is the Russian president only buying time?
Firstpost
Trump-Putin phone call shows Russian president ‘playing’ POTUS, sensing his desperation for a deal
Firstpost
Putin woos Trump with a partial ceasefire and big geopolitical deal
Hindustan Times
Trump, Putin Agree to Ceasefire on Ukraine’s Energy Sites
Deccan Chronicle
This is Ukraine's map if a ceasefire is achieved today
India Today
‘No betrayal’: Ukraine breathes sigh of relief after Trump-Putin talks
Al Jazeera
In Ukraine and Gaza, Trump finds out that ending wars is tougher than it looks
CNN
'They're trying to pander': Expert skeptical of Russia deal amid Trump's 'ceasefire' boast
Raw Story
‘The blood and treasure’: Donald Trump, Putin agree to work towards 30-day limited ceasefire in Ukraine
Hindustan Times
Trump dials Putin to discuss Ukraine ceasefire proposal, White House says call underway
Firstpost
Trump Holds Phone Call With Putin To Discuss Ukraine Truce, Russia Agrees To Energy Ceasefire
ABP News
Donald Trump and Putin discuss Ukraine ceasefire: White House confirms hour-long call ‘going well’
Live Mint
Trump, Putin begin high-stakes call with Ukraine peace deal on the line
Hindustan Times
Trump to talk to Putin today: What conditions do Ukraine, Russia have for the ceasefire?
Firstpost
‘No compromise on sovereignty,’ says Ukraine’s top diplomat as Trump, Putin talk ceasefire proposal
Firstpost
Head-on | Putin and Trump play out the Queen’s Gambit in Ukraine
Firstpost
Ukraine Cease-Fire Hinges on Trump Call With Putin
Hindustan Times
Trump and Putin to hold call on ceasefire, but Zelenskyy is skeptical that Russia is ready for peace
Associated Press
Putin and Trump will speak about Ukraine war on March 18
The Hindu
Pause weapons aid to Ukraine: Putin ahead of truce talks with Trump
India Today
Trump-Putin phone call ends after 2 hours, Ukraine ceasefire likely discussed
India Today
Trump-Putin phone call ends after 2 hours, Ukraine ceasefire likely discussed
India Today
30-day partial ceasefire, end to Ukraine conflict: What Trump, Putin discussed
India Today
Putin may well get what he wants in Ukraine
Al Jazeera
Ukraine presses for unconditional ceasefire as Trump, Putin hold talks
Al JazeeraDiscover Related










































