Putin Meets Trump Envoy in Moscow as Push for Ukraine Peace Deal Gains Pace

Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding key talks in Moscow with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, as efforts to shape a possible peace deal for Ukraine step into a critical phase. According to reports from ITV News and GBC Ghana, Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner is also part of the US team, underscoring Washington’s push to fast-track negotiations.

The meeting comes just days after a two-day round of intense discussions in Florida between Ukrainian officials and the US delegation. According to BBC reports from the region, those talks focused on refining a draft peace plan that Washington believes could bring the war closer to an end — though several sticking points remain.

Territory at the Heart of the Dispute  

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the fresh diplomatic momentum but made it clear that Kyiv will not bend on territorial concessions. Speaking after talks in Paris, he stressed that the “territorial issue is the toughest,” echoing concern that Moscow continues to push for control over areas its forces currently occupy.

On the ground, Russia has claimed new gains near Pokrovsk and Vovchansk. Ukrainian officials have stopped short of confirming those advances. As noted in reporting similar to The Star’s coverage, analysts believe the timing of Russia’s military pressure is no coincidence — with many seeing it as a move to influence the negotiating table.

US Signals Despite Challenges, There’s Movement  

In Washington, the Trump administration is striking a hopeful but cautious tone. The White House says the draft proposal has been “significantly refined” after multiple sessions with Kyiv’s team. Both Witkoff and Kushner have also held calls and meetings with European leaders — including the UK’s Prime Minister and officials in Paris and Berlin — in a bid to lock in allied backing.

Putin said last week that parts of the US proposal could serve as a “basis” for further talks, though Kremlin officials have since dialed back any impression that Moscow is ready to sign off soon.

Still, with both sides now sitting down in Moscow, today’s talks are widely seen as the most serious attempt in months to carve out a path toward ending the conflict.

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