Trump envoy's Moscow talks stir controversy over demands
Following a meeting with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump's advisor Steve Witkoff has disclosed the Kremlin's conditions for ending the war, involving Ukraine's surrender on what are regarded as "shameful" terms. "The most prudent action for Americans would be to cease negotiations on this matter," commented Gen. Roman Polko, a former commander of GROM.
The US President's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, spent several hours on Friday engaged in discussions in St. Petersburg with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his advisors - Yuri Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev.
In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Witkoff indicated that negotiations with Russia over the war appear to be progressing, with the potential to reshape relations between the two countries. He noted that it had taken time to clearly identify Moscow’s conditions for a durable peace, but emphasised that, beyond just a ceasefire, those terms have now been made known.
What are Putin's demands? According to Trump's advisor, the peace agreement primarily concerns the so-called five territories - regions of Ukraine annexed by Russia (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Crimea). However, it also involves numerous other aspects. "It's about security protocols, NATO or non-NATO, Article 5. There are simply many details related to this," said Trump's envoy.
Experts point out that the weakest link in the negotiations is the American negotiator, namely Witkoff.
"The Russians mock openly"
"It's laughable how he conducted himself. He believed that Putin prayed before a portrait of Trump following an attempt on his life. This is blatant ridicule. I think the Russians are openly mocking him. Whether it's due to his naivety or wishful thinking," remarked Gen. Roman Polko, former head of the special unit GROM.
He emphasizes that Kyiv does not need a "negotiator" who behaves like a Moscow official.
"The demands essentially entail Ukraine's capitulation, ceding its territories to Russia, demilitarisation, and holding elections wherein a Kremlin-affiliated figure would prevail. This is Putin's narrative that Witkoff is echoing. It's absurd. It's peculiar that someone claiming to be a negotiator cannot present even one element that would be a concession or sign of goodwill from Russia," notes Gen. Polko.
Meanwhile, according to Nedim Useinov, a political scientist from Crimea, the demands presented by Russia are nothing novel.
"We've heard this before. And now Witkoff, who is closer to the Kremlin than understanding Ukraine's stance, repeats it. For the USA, Russia has become an important strong partner for dialogue on the international stage. Europe and Ukraine are not on Trump's level. Furthermore, the American president prefers engaging with individual European countries over the European Union. With them, he can strike agreements," believes the expert from the think tank The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF).
What's next for the USA in NATO?
The political scientist from Crimea also comments on Witkoff's remarks concerning NATO.
Useinov believes the United States is on a path toward gradually reducing its role within the North Atlantic Alliance. Discussions about cutting its financial contributions are underway, though such a move would still require congressional approval. Nevertheless, he argues, the signal is unmistakable — the direction of the Trump administration’s policy is becoming increasingly apparent.
He recalls that, for Trump, there is no hesitation in telling Putin that Ukraine will never join NATO.
The Crimean political analyst observes that the proposal is so clear-cut that it could be brought to the negotiating table without delay. Nothing is surprising about it, he notes, just as with the issue of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the four eastern Ukrainian regions, which have also been repeatedly stated.
Nedim Useinov assures that the President of Ukraine will not concede to Putin's demands.
According to his assessment, the White House remains entangled in narratives shaped by Russian disinformation. Given his diminished influence, Trump is seen as eager for Kyiv to align closely with Washington’s expectations. Yet, he underscores, such compliance from the Ukrainian leadership is improbable.
According to the political scientist, it's possible that Trump may soon become upset with Ukraine and instruct the European Union to manage the resolution of the war and negotiations with Russia independently.
"Capitulation of Ukraine on shameful terms"
Meanwhile, Gen. Polko believes that what the White House and the Kremlin are currently orchestrating resembles the policy of the concert of powers. He does not rule out that in exchange for surrendering Ukraine to Putin, the USA might seek to broker agreements with Russia on other issues.
"Putin persists with barbaric assaults on civilians. He remains resolute in keeping Ukraine within Russia's sphere of influence. The terms outlined by Witkoff entail Ukraine's capitulation on 'shameful' terms. It would be most prudent for Americans to abandon negotiations on this issue. They are unrelated to peace discussions," claims Gen. Polko.
Our interlocutor reminds that Ukraine must compensate for American aid with resources.
"It would diminish its status to that of an American colony, where Washington would share gains with Moscow. All this just beyond our borders," concludes the former head of GROM.
