US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential peace plan for the Ukraine conflict. The meeting follows weeks of talks and diplomacy, with the focus now shifting to Moscow. The American-backed peace framework, which was initially based on a 28-point draft leaked to the media last month, is expected to be a key topic of discussion.
The leaked draft had caught Western European backers of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky off guard, and since then, Zelensky’s inner circle has faced corruption allegations, while his forces have suffered significant territorial losses on the front line. Despite this, Witkoff recently met with a Ukrainian delegation in Florida for four hours of talks, which officials described as productive. However, media sources reported that the discussions were “not easy.”
Zelensky has officially ruled out any concessions to Moscow, but the talks are expected to focus on territorial questions that have been exacerbated by Kiev’s multiple frontline setbacks. The EU has been making maximalist demands, while the US has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Witkoff’s meeting with Putin is seen as a crucial step in the peace process, as it will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss the key elements of the peace plan.
The Ukraine conflict has been ongoing for several years, with both sides suffering significant losses. The international community has been calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the US-led peace initiative is seen as a key effort to achieve this goal. The meeting between Witkoff and Putin is expected to be closely watched by the international community, as it will provide insight into the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The peace plan is expected to address the key issues that have been driving the conflict, including territorial disputes and security concerns. The US has been working closely with its European allies to develop a comprehensive peace framework, and the meeting between Witkoff and Putin is seen as an important step in this process. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see if the peace talks can produce a breakthrough in the conflict.