Amid Russia’s largest missile attack on Ukraine in months, Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to Donald Trump’s team, arrived in Moscow. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Vitkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 25 April.
His visit coincided with an attack in which Russia fired 215 missiles and drones at Ukraine. Kyiv was particularly hard hit: 12 killed, 87 wounded.
This backdrop makes the US-initiated talks even more controversial – especially given that the main topic is supposed to be a ceasefire.
Peace at the expense of Ukraine?
According to US sources, the Trump administration is stepping up its attempts to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. On 24 April, US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Har Støre, said:
“Both sides want peace. We have set a deadline to reach an agreement. And I think there will be peace.”
However, behind the scenes of this statement, there is more and more anxiety. After all, Special Envoy Vitkoff has already visited Russia several times this year and met with Putin at least three times.
According to sources, he is promoting Kremlin narratives – in particular, the idea of “peace in exchange for territory” – which is strongly opposed both in Ukraine and among a number of American officials.
Kyiv does not accept ultimatums
Official Kyiv has repeatedly emphasised that no negotiations can be held under the condition of concessions to the aggressor. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said that any “freezing” of the conflict would only postpone a new phase of the war.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had previously warned his partners that Ukraine does not accept any “diplomacy of surrender”.
Washington is divided
There is no unanimity in the United States on this process. The US State Department has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of Trump’s initiatives. If there is no progress in the coming days, Washington may withdraw from this format, according to sources in Congress.
Analysts warn: The Kremlin may use the participation of the US special envoy for propaganda purposes – as proof of the legitimacy of its position in the international arena.
