U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff to Meet Putin in Moscow for Ukraine Peace Talks
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a U.S.-backed peace plan for Ukraine.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a U.S.-backed peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting follows recent discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Florida, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as "very productive."
The proposed peace plan, initially a 28-point document, has been revised to a 19-point framework after consultations with Ukrainian officials. The original plan, developed by the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine's involvement, was perceived as favoring Russian interests.
Putin has expressed cautious openness to the amended plan, stating, "In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements." He acknowledged that the U.S. appears to be considering Russia's position and indicated Moscow's readiness for "serious discussions" with Witkoff.
However, Putin also emphasized that the conflict would only cease if Ukrainian forces withdraw from key areas, suggesting that Russia remains committed to its objectives in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War noted skepticism among Russian military commentators regarding potential compromises by Putin on territorial demands. They observed that the Kremlin views ceasefire efforts as inconsequential and hindering Russia's goals in Ukraine and globally.
The upcoming meeting between Witkoff and Putin is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the conflict, with both sides preparing for detailed discussions on the revised peace plan.
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