US Envoy to Visit Moscow Amidst Ukraine Conflict and Peace Talk Pressures
US envoy Steve Witkoff travels to Moscow for peace talks, as Russia continues drone attacks in Ukraine. Western countries pressure Putin and Zelenskyy.
Overview
- Russian President Putin confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow for discussions regarding a US-backed peace plan.
- Putin indicated support for the US-backed peace plan as a potential starting point for negotiations, signaling a diplomatic avenue amidst ongoing conflict.
- Both President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy face significant pressure from Western countries concerning the ongoing war effort and potential peace talks.
- Diplomatic efforts proceed as Russia continues military actions, including a drone attack in Ukraine's Sumy region that killed a 53-year-old man.
- Russia is also conducting ongoing missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, highlighting the persistent conflict despite discussions of peace negotiations.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by presenting Russia's peace proposals and demands, but immediately contextualize them with skepticism from analysts and European officials, portraying Putin as attempting to outlast Western commitment. They highlight Ukraine's internal challenges like corruption and financial needs, while also detailing ongoing conflict and diplomatic tensions.
"Putin has previously demanded that Ukraine completely withdraw from the entirety of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions before Russia considers any sort of “peace negotiations.”"
Associated Press"Putin sounded positive about the course of talks, even as he maintained Russia would gladly keep fighting."
NBC NewsArticles (4)
FAQ
Steve Witkoff is an American real estate developer appointed as the US special envoy for peace missions. Since early 2025, he has acted as a key diplomat in negotiating peace between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, holding multiple meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin to push forward a US-backed peace plan.
The US-backed peace plan reportedly includes significant Ukrainian concessions such as ceding territory, limiting its armed forces, and renouncing NATO membership. It has been drafted in coordination with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev as a potential starting point for negotiations.
Western countries, primarily led by the US under President Trump, are pressuring both Putin and Zelenskyy to progress toward a ceasefire and peace. Trump has imposed deadlines for Russia to make peace with Ukraine or face new and harsher sanctions, including secondary tariffs targeting Russia's trade partners.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, including a drone strike in the Sumy region that killed a civilian. Ongoing missile and drone strikes on Kyiv have been reported, highlighting persistent conflict even as peace negotiations proceed.
The talks between Witkoff and Putin were described by the Kremlin as 'useful and constructive.' Putin expressed openness to the US-backed peace plan as a basis for negotiations, although the complexity of the conflict means obstacles remain significant between Russia and Ukraine's interests.
History
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