National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff are on their way to Saudi Arabia to kick off discussions aimed at achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine, according to two sources familiar with the situation, as reported by NBC News.
Details regarding the timing of their trip remain unclear, and it is uncertain if Waltz and Witkoff have already set off.
This development follows President Donald Trump’s recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they explored the possibility of initiating negotiations to conclude the conflict.
“We agreed to collaborate closely, including visiting each other’s countries,” Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday after their call. “We have also decided to have our teams commence negotiations without delay.”
High-ranking officials from the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg, are currently in Germany for the Munich Security Conference, a platform that focuses on international security issues, with the Russia-Ukraine war being a central topic.
During the conference on Saturday, Kellogg endorsed the idea of engaging with Putin to work towards peace between Russia and Ukraine, stating in Munich, “Whether you like it or not, you have to talk to adversaries.”
“As General Mattis, a highly respected secretary of defense, once remarked: I may not like this son of a b—-, but I need to communicate with him,” he further commented.
Kellogg also urged Western leaders to take stronger action in enforcing sanctions against Russia, suggesting that discussions about ending the war might hinge on Russia’s readiness to relinquish territory and addressing Putin’s oil revenue.
However, certain administration members have recently hesitated to outline specific concessions from Russia in advance of any potential negotiations.
When asked on Thursday what concessions Russia should make to facilitate a deal with Ukraine, Trump refrained from specifying any particular demands.
“In terms of negotiation, it’s premature to say what might occur. Perhaps Russia will concede a lot, or maybe they won’t; it all depends on future developments,” Trump remarked during a press conference alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has indicated U.S. opposition to Ukraine joining NATO as part of a negotiated settlement, suggested that the U.S. could support negotiations that involve Ukraine surrendering territory currently controlled by the Kremlin.
“We desire, just like you, a sovereign and thriving Ukraine. However, we must acknowledge that reverting to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic goal,” Hegseth stated in a speech during his visit to NATO’s headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday.
