WASHINGTON -- US envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Thursday plans to travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Ukrainian envoys regarding a potential ceasefire with Russia and the establishment of a "framework" for a more comprehensive agreement. Witkoff addressed reporters alongside Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2025.

"We're now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh, or even potentially Jeddah," Witkoff stated. "The idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well."

Witkoff also commented on a letter sent by President Volodymyr Zelensky to President Donald Trump following a tense exchange at the White House the previous Friday. He indicated that President Trump viewed the letter favorably. "He felt that Zelensky's letter was a very positive first step. There was an apology. There was an acknowledgement that the United States has done so much for the country of Ukraine, and a sense of gratitude," Witkoff explained.

During the White House meeting, Trump and Vice-President JD Vance reportedly criticized Zelensky for what they perceived as insufficient gratitude for the substantial military aid provided by the United States since the onset of the crisis in 2022. The meeting concluded with Zelensky declining to sign an agreement, reportedly demanded by Trump, that would grant the United States significant control over Ukraine's mineral resources.

When questioned about the likelihood of Ukraine signing the agreement during the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, Witkoff responded, "I think Zelensky has offered to sign it, and we'll see if he follows through."