KTM : The United States is set to engage in high-level negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday in a renewed diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine, now the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II.
The delegation—led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff—arrives following days of intensive shuttle diplomacy stretching from Florida to Geneva to Abu Dhabi. Washington has signaled it is “very optimistic” about the possibility of progress, though concerns remain among Ukraine and its European allies.
Kyiv fears the talks may result in pressure on Ukraine to concede territory to Russia, particularly given criticism of Witkoff for his past dealings with the Kremlin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, visiting Ireland on Tuesday to reinforce European support, warned that Russia’s true objective in the negotiations is the easing of Western sanctions rather than genuine peace efforts.
The talks come at a critical moment for Ukraine. Russian forces made rapid advances in eastern Ukraine in November, while Kyiv has been shaken by corruption scandals culminating in the resignation of its top negotiator, a close aide to Zelensky. Meanwhile, Moscow has intensified missile and drone strikes, which Zelensky says are aimed at trying to “break” Ukrainian resilience.
Zelensky was briefed by Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov upon his return from Florida, where he reported “significant progress” in earlier US discussions but noted that difficult issues remain unresolved. Zelensky expects to continue direct dialogue with the US president on key matters including territorial integrity, long-term security guarantees, and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Putin maintains that any peace agreement must include Ukraine surrendering territories claimed by Moscow. On Monday, he appeared in military attire as his commanders informed him that Russian forces had taken the eastern town of Pokrovsk—known to Moscow by its Soviet-era name, Krasnoarmeysk. Kyiv, however, insists fighting is still ongoing despite Russia’s claim of victory. The town’s fall would be a symbolic win for Moscow, which has repeatedly vowed to capture all of Donetsk if Ukraine refuses territorial concessions.
Europe fears Ukraine could face pressure as Russia steps up attacks
European leaders have expressed deep unease about a possible US-Russia deal made without full European involvement. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that pressure could fall disproportionately on Ukraine, the “weaker side,” potentially forcing it into surrender.
Concerns intensified after an earlier 28-point US proposal appeared to align unusually closely with Russian demands—a resemblance that Washington denies. Reports also surfaced that Witkoff previously coached Russian officials on how Putin should communicate with Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the coming days as “decisive” for both Ukraine and Europe. The renewed diplomatic activity follows a spike in Russian attacks throughout November, with Kyiv reporting 5,660 missiles and long-range drones launched during the month—a two-percent increase—adding “serious psychological and physical pressure” on the population, according to Zelensky.
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