Trump envoys meet Putin in fresh bid to broker Ukraine peace deal

The high-level delegation's visit to Moscow signals a new diplomatic push by the Trump administration to pursue negotiations aimed at resolving the nearly three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Witkoff and Kushner, key figures in Trump's transition team, are undertaking the mission as part of broader efforts to establish channels of dialogue with Russian leadership.

The timing of the diplomatic overture comes as fighting continues across multiple fronts in Ukraine. By engaging directly with Putin's government, the Trump team appears intent on exploring potential pathways to de-escalation and negotiated settlement, a marked shift from the Biden administration's emphasis on military support for Ukraine.

Following their discussions in Moscow, the envoys are scheduled to visit Kyiv, where they are expected to consult with Ukrainian leadership. This two-track approach suggests the Trump administration intends to engage both parties to the conflict in its mediation efforts.

The diplomatic initiative underscores Trump's stated intention to resolve the Ukraine crisis quickly, a priority he outlined during his presidential campaign. The extent to which these initial talks will yield concrete progress remains unclear, as significant differences persist between Russia and Ukraine over territorial control and other fundamental issues.