Steve Witkoff’s visit to Russia aims to advance a US-proposed peace plan that faces opposition from Ukraine and its Western supporters
Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for US President Donald Trump, has arrived in Moscow for another series of discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This trip is part of a larger diplomatic initiative by Washington aimed at advancing a proposed peace plan to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Witkoff has already visited Russia three times in recent months, engaging with high-ranking Russian officials, including Putin. The continuing negotiations highlight a growing commitment from both nations to resolve the hostilities through dialogue.
The proposal from Washington reportedly involves recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea, “freezing” the conflict along the current front lines, and acknowledging Moscow’s control over significant portions of the four former Ukrainian regions voted to join Russia. Additionally, the agreement would likely prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and involve a gradual lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia.
Russia has conveyed its gratitude for Trump’s peace initiatives and has consistently shown willingness to engage in negotiations. However, Russian officials have emphasized that any final peace agreement must acknowledge the existing territorial realities and tackle the underlying causes of the conflict, including Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO.
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25 April 2025
11:48 GMT
Witkoff has also held separate talks with Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s investment envoy, TASS has reported, without providing further details.
- 11:48 GMT
The Kremlin has released a short clip of Putin cordially greeting Witkoff, with the pair exchanging short remarks in English. According to the video, Putin’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, and Russian presidential adviser, Yury Ushakov, are also poised to take part in the talks.
- 11:47 GMT
Russian President Vladimir Putin is receiving US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in the Kremlin for talks over the Ukraine conflict settlement, spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed.
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