Trump Envoy Arrives in Russia to Revive Ukraine Peace Negotiations

Witkoff aims to establish dialogue with Putin amid increasing tensions and a pause in communication from the Biden administration.

Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s senior aide for Russia negotiations, landed in Russia on Friday, as reported by the Kremlin. American and Russian officials are attempting to reinvigorate discussions concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, which have stagnated in recent weeks. Dmitri S. Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, confirmed Witkoff's arrival but withheld information regarding a possible meeting with President Vladimir V. Putin, who, according to earlier statements, was reportedly working outside of Moscow that day.

If such a meeting transpires, it would mark Witkoff's third encounter with Putin since the onset of US-Russia discussions aimed at resetting relations and finding a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Axios was the first to report on Witkoff's trip to Russia. Notably, Witkoff is the first senior American official to visit Moscow for talks with Putin since Russia's full-scale incursion into Ukraine commenced in early 2022. The Biden administration has severed ties with Putin, condemning his actions in Ukraine as crimes against humanity.

Tasked by Trump with representing American interests, Witkoff has seemingly adopted an approach distinct from that of the current administration. Following his initial meeting at the Kremlin, Witkoff expressed efforts to cultivate "a friendship, a relationship" with Putin, highlighting his strategy of open dialogue. Ivan Nechepurenko provides coverage on Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Central Asia from his base in Moscow.