In a significant diplomatic exchange, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where discussions reportedly lasted three hours, as stated by Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov. According to Ushakov, this meeting was described as “constructive,” with particular emphasis on the need for Russia and Ukraine to consider resuming direct talks. This dialogue is crucial, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and reflects a glimmer of hope amidst escalating tensions.
While the U.S. administration has yet to disclose specific details about the discussions, President Donald Trump suggested that both parties were nearing a potential agreement. His hints were accompanied by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s urgent call to allies to intensify pressure on Russia, which he accused of obstructing peace efforts by rejecting a proposed temporary ceasefire negotiated by the U.S. The discussions between Witkoff and Putin, therefore, not only aim at easing the immediate conflict but also touch upon broader international relations.
Upon Witkoff’s arrival in central Moscow for his fourth visit in 2025, traffic was halted, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic mission. Ushakov reiterated that the talks bridged some gaps between the U.S. and Russian positions—particularly concerning Ukraine and other geopolitical issues. Notably, the aide revealed that proposals for restarting face-to-face discussions between Russian and Ukrainian officials were part of the agenda.
Despite this progress, President Zelensky remains skeptical. Earlier in the week, Putin hinted at a willingness to negotiate with Zelensky, partly in response to a proposal designed to extend a temporary truce over Easter festivities. However, no actual ceasefire has been agreed upon. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine continues to face pressure from Trump to concede territory as part of a peace deal—particularly concerning the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014 without international recognition.
Zelensky has steadfastly rejected any notions of recognizing Crimea as a part of Russia. Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, he pointed out that the Ukrainian populace alone possesses the right to determine the status of their territories. However, in subsequent statements, he acknowledged that “territorial issues” could become part of discussions if a comprehensive ceasefire is successfully reached.
While the U.S. peace proposal remains undisclosed, reports suggest that it favors Russian interests, allowing for the retention of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory taken during the conflict. In stark contrast, Ukrainian and European representatives emphasize that discussions regarding occupied territories should only commence after hostilities cease.
During the tense climate surrounding these negotiations, a report surfaced stating that a senior Russian general was killed in a car bomb attack in Moscow, which the Kremlin attributed to Ukraine. In a reciprocal allegation, Kyiv faced claims of a missile strike occurring within the Russian Belgorod region, which purportedly resulted in two fatalities. Both sides have not officially commented, adding another layer to the already complex situation.
While Witkoff and Putin were engaged in their discussions, Trump asserted that negotiations were progressing favorably. He expressed hope that the outcome would yield advantageous agreements for both sides, including tariffs and trade deals. Trump described the urgency of ending the violent struggle in Ukraine, highlighting the immense loss of life on both sides, estimated at around 5,000 casualties weekly.
Nevertheless, despite these negotiations, considerable differences remain between the Ukrainian and Russian positions, emphasizing the delicate nature of the ongoing discussions. Zelensky’s criticisms of Russia’s refusal to reach a ceasefire echo the frustration shared by many in Ukraine, further urging allies to exert maximum pressure on Moscow to foster a peaceful resolution. Both leaders’ futures significantly depend on the path taken in these high-stakes negotiations—between diplomatic dialogues and military conflict, the outcomes will be closely scrutinized by the global community.