Witkoff: Putin sees opportunity for the ‘first time in decades’ for a relationship recalibration

SUMMARY

For the first time in decades, Vladimir Putin sees an opening to recalibrate U.S.-Russia relations — and it’s happening under President Trump’s second term. That’s according to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who’s already held four marathon meetings with the Russian leader, including one lasting nearly five hours. “I think he sees the opportunity for the first time in decades,” Witkoff said Tuesday, signaling a potential turning point in a relationship long defined by hostility and gridlock. Witkoff’s recent sit-down with Putin, alongside top Kremlin aides, reportedly brought the two nations “closer” on the Ukraine issue and beyond. According to the Kremlin, both sides discussed restarting direct negotiations and narrowing gaps on other global matters. Trump’s administration has taken a radically different approach from Biden’s — ditching endless escalation in favor of tough, strategic diplomacy aimed at ending the war.