U.S. Special Envoy Meets Putin in Push for Ukraine Ceasefire

By Diafa Doubra

In a surprising diplomatic move, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Tuesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of renewed efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The high stakes meeting comes amid mounting international pressure and a self imposed deadline by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring major progress in the conflict before the end of the year.

While the Kremlin has remained tight lipped about the specifics of the discussions, sources close to the talks say Witkoff urged Russia to consider a phased withdrawal from contested areas in eastern Ukraine in exchange for a gradual easing of certain U.S. sanctions. Putin, however, reiterated his demand that Ukraine remain a non NATO state and that Crimea be officially recognized as part of Russia.

The visit marks the most direct U.S. Russia diplomatic engagement in months and signals a possible shift in approach by the Trump administration, which has faced criticism for its earlier inaction on the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not officially commented but is reportedly watching the talks closely.

While no formal agreements were reached, both sides described the conversation as constructive a rare diplomatic tone that hints at a potential opening for further negotiations in the coming weeks.