US "Substantial Progress Expected in Ceasefire Talks on 24th... Putin Wants Peace"

Bloomberg: "U.S. Aims to Reach Ceasefire Agreement by April 20"

On the 24th (local time), the United States announced that it expects to see "substantial progress" in the Ukraine war ceasefire negotiations being held separately with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. It is reported that the U.S. aims to conclude the ceasefire agreement by the 20th of next month.

AP Yonhap News

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. White House Middle East envoy, said in an interview with Fox News on the 23rd regarding the ceasefire talks, "On Monday (the 24th) in Saudi Arabia, we expect to see substantial progress, especially concerning a Black Sea ceasefire affecting vessels between the two countries," adding, "This will naturally lead to a cessation of full-scale hostilities."

Envoy Witkoff stated that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin "wants peace." Regarding concerns about Russia's territorial expansion spreading across Europe, he explained, "I do not think he wants to take over all of Europe," and added, "The situation is very different from that of World War II."

The U.S. government will continue separate ceasefire negotiations with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on the 24th. This is the first follow-up negotiation after both Russia and Ukraine agreed to a 30-day halt of attacks on energy infrastructure following a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Putin on the 18th. At that time, President Putin rejected the "30-day full ceasefire plan" agreed upon by the U.S. and Ukraine and demanded, as a precondition, the cessation of foreign military and intelligence support to Ukraine, including from the U.S.

Michael Waltz, White House National Security Advisor, also appeared on CBS News that day and explained that the U.S. is discussing various confidence-building measures for the ceasefire. This includes discussions about the future of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.

Advisor Waltz said, "We are talking about the actual frontline control line and will delve into specific matters such as verification mechanisms, peacekeeping, and freezing the front lines," adding, "We will also discuss broader and more lasting peace."

According to Bloomberg News, the U.S. aims to reach a ceasefire agreement by April 20. However, despite partial ceasefire agreements, Russia and Ukraine continue attacks. According to Ukraine, on that day, at least three people, including a 5-year-old child, were killed in a Russian drone attack in the capital Kyiv, and a fire broke out in a high-rise apartment building. Russian authorities stated that their air defense systems shot down 59 Ukrainian drones attempting to attack the southwest.