By: The Trek News Desk
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, aiming to explore potential pathways to end the nearly four-year-long war in Ukraine.
Leaked U.S. Peace Draft Raises Concerns in Europe
A 28-point draft of the U.S. peace plan leaked last week has triggered unease across Europe and in Kyiv. Officials say several of the provisions appear to align closely with Moscow’s long-standing demands, including:
- A permanent block on Ukraine’s NATO membership,
- Limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces,
- Continued Russian control of occupied territories.
In response, European nations submitted their own alternative plan, while U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators reported in Geneva that an “updated and refined peace framework” is now in development.
Putin Signals Openness: “A Basis for Future Agreements”
Putin has emphasised that the ongoing talks are not yet at the stage of a formal treaty but represent early proposals that could form the groundwork for future negotiations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the Tuesday meeting with Witkoff but declined to comment on Russia’s “red lines.”
According to Interfax, a Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, frequently used by Witkoff, arrived in Moscow after departing from Miami earlier in the day.
Russian Warning: “If Ukraine Rejects a Deal, We Move Forward”
Putin reiterated that Russia is willing to negotiate but warned that if Ukraine refuses an agreement, Russian forces will continue to advance.
As of now, Russia controls more than 19% of Ukrainian territory, and its territorial gains in 2025 have been the fastest since early 2022.
Heavy Toll of the War
U.S. officials estimate that over 1.2 million soldiers on both sides have been killed or injured. Major Ukrainian cities have suffered widespread destruction, and millions of civilians have been displaced over the course of the conflict.
Europe’s Worry: “Do Not Reward Moscow”
European leaders fear that a peace deal leaning toward Russian demands could:
- Open the door for American investment in Russian oil, gas, and mineral sectors,
- Pave the way for Moscow’s return to the G8.
Ukraine insists that accepting Russia’s conditions would amount to capitulation, exposing the country to future territorial threats.
Miami Meeting with Ukrainian Officials
Ahead of the Moscow visit, Witkoff, Kushner, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukraine’s National Security Council chief, Rustem Umerov, at Witkoff’s Shell Bay Club in Miami.
Following separate talks in Paris, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated:
“We agree the war must end fairly. Russia cannot be rewarded for starting this conflict.”
What Comes Next?
While Europe and Ukraine insist on curbing Russia’s expansionist ambitions, Moscow maintains that limiting NATO influence is a core security priority.
For now, all eyes are on whether the Witkoff–Kushner–Putin discussions evolve into a structured peace process in the coming weeks.
Source: News Agencies
