Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday, after the White House expressed optimism about reaching a deal to end the Ukraine war.
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is also expected to attend, following negotiations in Florida with Ukrainian officials to refine a US-backed peace proposal favorable to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the talks as constructive, though he admitted that tough issues remain. Following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky stated that maintaining Ukraine's sovereignty and ensuring robust security guarantees are priorities for Kyiv.
Zelensky noted territorial concessions to Russia are particularly contentious. As Moscow pushes for Ukraine to yield control of eastern territories, Kyiv remains resolute in its stance against such demands.
In recent remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated a refined draft peace deal, expressing hope for an end to the conflict. However, the Kremlin's position remains uncertain, with officials expressing skepticism over accepting the proposal citing changes made by Kyiv and European allies.
Emmanuel Macron underscored the necessity of including Ukraine in any peace discussions, emphasizing that territorial questions and security guarantees must involve European input as well. He also praised the Trump administration's efforts to mediate an end to the conflict that has persisted since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Despite Moscow's engagement with US efforts, its demands continue to challenge Ukraine's sovereignty and complicate the peace process. As talks in Moscow await, recent claims by Russian officials regarding the capture of strategic towns in Ukraine have sparked further tensions, though Ukrainian sources dispute these assertions.
