US Envoys Arrive in Moscow for Fresh Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks With Putin

US President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, have arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as Washington intensifies efforts to secure a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

The two American officials arrived in the Russian capital on Thursday and were received at Vnukovo Airport by Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy, who accompanied them to central Moscow.

The visit follows two days of trilateral peace negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which ended on Wednesday without a major breakthrough.

Although the discussions resulted in an agreement to organise another major prisoner exchange, significant disagreements remain over the conditions for ending the nearly five-year conflict.

The United States said progress had been recorded on post-war security guarantees, but differences persisted on major issues, particularly territorial control.

Russia has maintained its demand that Ukraine surrender the entire eastern Donbas region as part of any peace agreement, a condition strongly rejected by Kyiv.

The Abu Dhabi meeting marked the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, in nine months.

Thursday’s meeting in Moscow is expected to focus on efforts to narrow the differences between the two countries and advance discussions on a proposed peace framework.

Another issue expected to feature prominently is the possible involvement of European countries in the negotiations.

Ukraine and the United States reportedly want European partners included in the peace process, while Moscow has maintained its opposition to their participation.

The American delegation is also expected to present Putin with an updated peace proposal.

Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday for a European Political Community summit focused on continental security and the war in Ukraine.

The meeting brought together leaders from more than 40 European countries, including members of the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also attended the summit.

European leaders are expected to review the outcome of the Abu Dhabi negotiations and discuss further support for Ukraine.

Kushner and Witkoff are also scheduled to meet Zelenskyy in Dublin on Friday following their discussions with Putin.

However, expectations for an immediate breakthrough remain low, with Ukrainian officials expressing doubts about the possibility of significant progress in Moscow.

Meanwhile, France has announced plans for additional European Union sanctions against Russia.

French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad said the proposed measures would target 150 additional entities and 50 banks, with France responsible for proposing most of the entities to be included.

The latest diplomatic engagements come amid continued international efforts to end the war, which has devastated parts of Ukraine and heightened tensions between Russia and Western countries.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep