US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has suggested that the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel could provide a new model for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The truce, which came into effect after a brief but intense conflict, was brokered by Washington. Witkoff expressed hope that the deescalation in the Middle East might motivate Moscow and Kiev to pursue diplomatic solutions.
The hostilities began on June 13 when Israel launched strikes on Iran, claiming Tehran was close to developing a nuclear bomb—allegations denied by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and US intelligence. The US joined the campaign, described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a step to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, by striking Iranian nuclear sites. A ceasefire brokered by Washington came into effect on Tuesday.
Russia has criticized the US bombing campaign, calling it a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law. The Foreign Ministry warned that these actions risk further destabilizing the region.
Witkoff was reportedly instrumental in brokering the ceasefire after a brief but intense conflict between Iran and Israel that left hundreds dead in Iran, 25 in Israel, and thousands injured on both sides, according to official sources. He has also been a key figure behind kickstarting the Ukraine peace process. Russia and Ukraine resumed direct talks in Turkey last month, reviving a diplomatic process that was paused by Kiev in 2022 after it opted to pursue victory on the battlefield with Western assistance.
At their most recent meeting on June 2, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange prisoners and presented draft memorandums outlining their visions for a peace agreement. However, each side currently views the other’s terms as unacceptable. Russia has stressed that any lasting agreement must reflect the current battlefield realities and Ukrainian neutrality.
Trump, who vowed during the 2024 presidential election campaign to resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours, recently described the promise as ‘sarcastic.’ He has repeatedly voiced frustration with both sides, warning that the US could impose sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine if the conflict does not come to an end soon.