Witkoff to Visit Moscow Next Week for Key Ukraine Peace Talks, Says Kremlin
MOSCOW — The Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday that Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, will lead a delegation to Moscow next week for high-level discussions on a potential peace plan for Ukraine. The announcement signals a renewed diplomatic effort to end the prolonged conflict, though the proposed framework has raised concerns among some Western observers.
Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated in a televised interview that “a preliminary agreement has been reached” for Witkoff’s visit. He added that several other American officials involved in Ukrainian affairs will also take part in the talks.
The planned meetings follow recent remarks by President Trump, who told reporters aboard Air Force One that U.S. negotiators have made progress in talks with both Russian and Ukrainian representatives. He indicated that Moscow had agreed to certain, unspecified concessions.
A U.S.-drafted framework for ending the war, initially reported last week, has drawn scrutiny from analysts and allies who worry the proposal may lean favorably toward Russian interests. Critics fear the Trump administration could urge Ukraine to accept terms that compromise its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
The diplomatic efforts have been complicated by the recent leak of an October 14 phone conversation between Witkoff and Ushakov. According to a transcript published by Bloomberg News, Witkoff suggested during the call that the two sides collaborate on a ceasefire proposal, which Putin could then raise directly with Trump.
When asked about the leaked discussion, Ushakov described it as a probable attempt to “hinder” the peace process rather than improve relations.
The upcoming talks in Moscow represent one of the most significant bilateral engagements on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. While the Trump administration has expressed optimism about reaching a negotiated settlement, many European leaders and regional experts remain cautious, emphasizing that any durable peace must respect Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.
As preparations for the dialogue continue, the international community watches closely—aware that these discussions could shape the future of Eastern European security.
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