U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday to explore ending the Ukraine war. The visit follows Trump’s efforts, including meetings with Zelenskiy and a summit in Alaska. Both sides say talks aim to find a fair and lasting peace.
A leaked U.S. draft plan sparked concern among European and Ukrainian officials last week. The proposal included limits on Ukraine’s military and Russian control over parts of Ukraine. European powers responded with their own counter-proposals to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent Russia from gaining leverage.
Read more: Europe fears ‘ugly deal’ as Trump pushes Ukraine peace
Putin called the draft a “basis for future agreements” but warned Russia could seize more territory if Ukraine rejects peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to reveal Russia’s “red lines,” calling public statements counterproductive. Ukrainian leaders insist any deal must be fair and avoid rewarding aggression.
The war has killed or wounded more than 1.2 million people and destroyed towns across Ukraine. Russian forces now control roughly 19% of Ukrainian territory and have advanced fastest in 2025. Ukrainian troops continue to resist, particularly in cities like Pokrovsk, despite heavy Russian losses.
Read more: More hurdles remain in Ukraine peace talks, says Rubio
U.S. officials met Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov in Miami before the Moscow trip. European powers fear a pro-Russian deal could reopen business opportunities for Moscow. Both Ukraine and its allies warn that Russia’s victory could threaten NATO and regional stability.