In Moscow on Tuesday, the Kremlin prepared for what Russian officials are calling an “important day for peace.”
A delegation from the United States, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived to engage in high-stakes discussions over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The talks were set to begin after 17:00 Moscow time, according to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian president’s press secretary.
Who’s in the Room
Representing the United States, the team included Witkoff, a special envoy appointed by former President Donald Trump, and Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a key negotiator in previous international peace efforts.
Peskov also noted that interpreters were present to facilitate smooth communication.
The Kremlin has stressed that the talks would continue “as long as needed”, highlighting the seriousness and open-ended nature of the discussions.
Focus on a Peaceful Resolution
At the heart of the meeting was the goal of advancing a bilateral understanding to settle the conflict in Ukraine.
Peskov explained that the session would allow discussions on agreements already reached between Kyiv and Washington, examining potential pathways toward a broader settlement.
Kirill Dmitriev, the president’s special representative, described the visit as a milestone moment, saying it could play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of peace efforts.
He described the day as “an important day for peace”, referencing the team’s previous work on international agreements, including Trump’s peace deal for Gaza.
Weeks of Quiet Preparations
According to Peskov, both Russian negotiators and Trump’s envoys had engaged in intensive discussions with Ukrainian representatives over the past few weeks.
The groundwork aimed to ensure that key points were understood on all sides before this critical meeting in Moscow.
Why Trump Selected Witkoff and Kushner
Sources from the US Department of State revealed that Trump prefers personal diplomacy over traditional bureaucratic channels.
By relying on close associates rather than career diplomats, Trump entrusts his peace efforts to what officials call “unconventional negotiators.”
Kushner’s role in Ukraine stems from his previous involvement with Witkoff in negotiating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Hamas situation.
His diplomatic work in Ukraine has been largely behind the scenes, with few public updates, making it difficult to trace exactly when his efforts officially began.
What Comes Next
With talks underway, both sides are approaching the meeting with cautious optimism, framing it as a potential turning point in long-standing negotiations.
Observers note that the combination of high-level Russian officials and Trump’s handpicked team creates a unique diplomatic dynamic, one that could influence both immediate and long-term developments in the Ukraine peace process.
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