Donald Trump’s overseas representative, Steve Witkoff, will visit the Kremlin next week for talks as the US continues to push for a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
The visit was confirmed by Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov on Wednesday. It comes after Ukraine said it had reached a “common understanding” with the White House on the basic ideas for a possible peace deal.
On Tuesday, Trump said he had asked Witkoff to meet the Russian president. He also said that US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll was being sent to Ukraine.
Last week, a 28-point draft peace plan became public. Trump said the plan had since been improved with input from both Russia and Ukraine.
Before Russia confirmed the meeting, Trump told reporters that his son-in-law Jared Kushner might also join the talks. Kushner has taken part in earlier diplomatic efforts. Trump said the final peace agreement would involve “land concessions on both sides” and efforts to “fix the border.” He added that he had not set a deadline for the two countries to reach a deal.
The Kremlin, however, said Russia had not yet been consulted on the updated draft and might not accept changes made to last week’s version. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia had supported the first US proposal, but major changes would create a “different situation.” As of Tuesday, Russia had still not received the revised plan. Lavrov also accused European countries of trying to disrupt US peace efforts.
American officials did not publicly respond to Russia’s concerns. But Driscoll and Russian officials met on Monday and Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
Key disagreements between Russia and Ukraine still remain, including security guarantees for Ukraine and who controls several eastern regions where fighting continues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he is ready to meet Trump to discuss the remaining “sensitive points.” He hopes the meeting can happen before the end of the month. Zelensky said the peace plan had been shortened, with some parts removed.
Despite the US showing optimism, European leaders expressed doubt that peace is near. French President Emmanuel Macron said he sees “no sign” that Russia wants a ceasefire. Britain’s government also warned that there is still “a long way to go.”