A potential breakthrough in the war in Ukraine may be closer than expected. US President Donald Trump sent his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow for his fifth round of discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following three hours of high-level talks at the Kremlin, Trump took to social media to announce that “great progress was made,” though he offered no specific details.
According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Witkoff returned from the Moscow meeting with a Russian ceasefire proposal in hand. The Kremlin has responded positively, suggesting that the proposal was “favourable.” Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, revealed that a summit between Trump and Putin could take place as early as next week, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) named as a possible venue.
In a statement, President Putin also expressed interest in holding talks with Trump, noting that the UAE is one of the acceptable locations. He also acknowledged the possibility of meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but stated that “certain conditions should be created” for such an encounter, emphasising that the situation was still “far” from being ready.
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Zelensky Pushes For Direct Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the diplomatic developments. Speaking after a phone call with President Trump, Zelensky said the US leader indicated that a meeting with Putin could happen “very soon.” European leaders were also reportedly part of the conversation, adding further weight to the possible breakthrough.
“We in Ukraine have repeatedly said that finding real solutions can be truly effective at the level of leaders,” Zelensky posted on social media. He emphasised the need to set a date and define the scope of issues to be discussed, highlighting Ukraine’s commitment to peace through diplomacy.