ISW revealed what concessions Witkoff is making to Putin before negotiations.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Russia does not seek to invade Europe and absorb Ukraine. It has already reclaimed Crimea and five regions of Ukraine, which it considers its territories. This is noted in the report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

'Russia absolutely does not want to invade Europe and it does not need to absorb Ukraine. It has reclaimed five regions of Ukraine - Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson - and has gotten what it wanted, and desires no more,' Witkoff stated.

ISW experts assert that Russia incorrectly claims that Crimea and these regions are Russian territories. Witkoff voiced Russia's false assertions regarding the status of occupied Ukrainian territories and the conduct of referendums in them. Analysts warn that such statements from Russia could lay the groundwork for a full-scale invasion in 2022 and lead to insufficient defense for Ukraine.

Witkoff's statements also contradict those of U.S. President Donald Trump, who seeks to end the war in Ukraine and achieve peace that serves the interests of the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe. These statements from Witkoff undermine Trump's efforts to resolve the conflict under favorable conditions for the U.S.

Additionally, Witkoff asserted that Ukrainian officials acknowledged that Ukraine would not become a NATO member. Analysts emphasize that such statements may indicate an end to the war but lose the ability to influence Russia in future negotiations.

Earlier, Witkoff revealed the 'central issues' of negotiations regarding a ceasefire.