On a day meant to honor wartime unity between Russia and the U.S., an unexpected diplomatic dialogue unfolded in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for three hours with American presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, and while no dramatic announcements were made, the talks hinted at something potentially bigger: a crack in the frozen wall between Russia and Ukraine.
A Candid, Constructive Conversation
According to Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, the meeting was more than just symbolic—it was “constructive” and “very useful.”
The two reportedly discussed a wide range of international topics, but the spotlight was firmly on the long-stalled Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
Ushakov suggested that the discussions helped narrow some of the gaps between the two sides, and even touched on the possibility of resuming direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
The Timing Was No Coincidence
Ushakov also pointed out the historical weight of the moment.
The meeting took place on the 80th anniversary of Elbe Day—the 1945 encounter between American and Soviet troops at the Elbe River, marking a rare and powerful moment of unity during World War II.
“This meeting symbolizes the wartime alliance between our countries,” Ushakov said, adding that both presidents have agreed to keep the lines of communication open and active.
Witkoff’s Quiet Yet Persistent Diplomatic Efforts
This wasn’t Witkoff’s first encounter with Putin. In fact, it was their fourth face-to-face this year.
The pair previously met in Moscow twice—in February and March—and again in St. Petersburg in April.
Witkoff, who arrived in Moscow on April 25, seems to be emerging as a consistent backchannel between the U.S. and Russia at a time when formal diplomatic ties are strained.
The Roadblock: A Ukrainian Decree
One of the biggest hurdles in restarting peace talks is a Ukrainian law signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Back in 2022, following Russia’s annexation of several Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—Zelensky issued a decree banning any negotiations with Russia while Putin remains president.
That decree has effectively frozen diplomacy between the two countries ever since.
Russia’s Position on Negotiations
Putin, however, maintains that Russia is open to talks—as long as they’re held with what he calls a “legitimate government.”
The Kremlin insists that before any meaningful discussions can happen, there needs to be legal clarity and obstacles must be removed.
That’s a thinly veiled reference to the complicated constitutional state Ukraine finds itself in right now.
Zelensky’s Term and Ukraine’s Legal Limbo
Zelensky’s five-year presidential term technically ended on May 20, 2024.
Elections were initially scheduled for March 31, but were scrapped due to ongoing martial law, which was declared at the start of Russia’s military operation.
According to Ukrainian law, elections can’t be held while martial law is in effect, leaving Ukraine in a kind of political twilight.
Still, Zelensky has shown some willingness to engage—under certain conditions.
Just a few days ago, on April 22, he stated that Ukraine is open to negotiations, but only after a complete ceasefire is in place.
“Once there’s a full ceasefire and clear timelines, we’re ready for talks—any kind of talks,” he said.
A Fragile Path Ahead
Meanwhile, Washington is watching closely. Former President Donald Trump, who remains a key player in U.S. foreign policy circles, has warned that the U.S. could pull out of its mediation efforts if progress continues to stall.
He described the situation as “fragile,” even though some movement is happening behind closed doors.
Who Is Steve Witkoff?
Though he’s now known as a diplomatic envoy, Steve Witkoff made his name (and fortune) in the world of real estate.
The 67-year-old billionaire is the founder of the Witkoff Group and has a net worth of around $2 billion, according to the 2025 Forbes list.
His portfolio includes iconic properties like Manhattan’s Woolworth Building and the Park Lane Hotel.
But in recent years, Witkoff has stepped into a more public service-oriented role, currently serving as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East.