U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for high-level talks aimed at reviving stalled efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
The visit is part of a new diplomatic push by President Donald Trump’s administration, with the two envoys expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials. Trump has said the delegation is carrying a proposal intended to help bring the war to an end, although Washington has not publicly disclosed the details.
Talks Focus on Bridging Major Differences
The Moscow meetings come amid a deep divide between Moscow and Kyiv over the terms of a possible settlement. Russia continues to demand Ukrainian territorial concessions and an end to Kyiv’s ambitions to join NATO, while Ukraine has rejected surrendering territory it considers sovereign.
The territorial issue, particularly control of parts of eastern Ukraine, remains one of the biggest obstacles to a comprehensive peace agreement.
Putin Expected to Meet US Delegation
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev met the American delegation following its arrival, while Kremlin officials have indicated that Putin is expected to hold talks with Witkoff and Kushner.
The envoys previously held lengthy discussions with Putin in Moscow and have become central figures in Washington’s attempts to establish a negotiated settlement.
Possible Trip to Kyiv
After Moscow, the American negotiators are expected to travel to Kyiv, which would mark their first visit to the Ukrainian capital as part of the current diplomatic effort. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv is preparing for talks with the U.S. delegation.
The planned Moscow-Kyiv mission is intended to give Washington a clearer assessment of both sides’ positions and explore whether sufficient common ground exists to restart broader negotiations.
Temporary Reduction in Strikes
The diplomatic mission is taking place against the backdrop of continuing Russian and Ukrainian attacks. Putin has ordered a temporary halt to strikes on Kyiv during the American delegation’s visit, while Kyiv has also indicated it is prepared to avoid attacks during the envoys’ diplomatic engagement.
Despite the temporary de-escalation measures, fighting and long-range attacks remain a major challenge to the peace initiative.
Peace Prospects Remain Uncertain
The latest U.S. initiative represents one of the most significant diplomatic efforts in recent months, but expectations for an immediate breakthrough remain cautious. Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on territory, security guarantees and Ukraine’s future relationship with Western alliances.
For Washington, the immediate objective will be to determine whether the latest proposal can move the two sides beyond the deadlock that has repeatedly stalled previous negotiations.
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