Putin to Meet with Trump’s Envoy as U.S. Pushes for Ukraine Deal

Background

Washington has renewed diplomatic pressure on Moscow in an effort to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a close. As part of this push, President Donald Trump appointed Steve Witkoff as his special envoy for Ukraine, tasking him with delivering a fresh set of terms directly to the Russian leadership.

New proposal

During a scheduled visit to Moscow, Witkoff is expected to hand President Vladimir V. Putin a revised peace proposal that modifies earlier U.S. offers. The updated plan reportedly includes:

• Greater flexibility on the status of disputed territories.
• Enhanced economic incentives for Russia in exchange for a phased withdrawal of its forces.
• Assurances of limited NATO expansion in Eastern Europe.

The envoy will also bring a delegation of senior U.S. officials to discuss implementation details and potential verification mechanisms.

International reactions

European allies have welcomed the renewed diplomatic overture but caution that any agreement must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty. The European Union’s foreign policy chief described the initiative as “a positive step, provided it translates into concrete actions on the ground.” Meanwhile, Kyiv’s leadership remains skeptical, insisting that any deal must include a full restoration of its territorial integrity.

What’s next?

The meeting is slated for early next week, and both sides have indicated a willingness to keep channels of communication open. Observers say that the outcome of this dialogue could shape the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe for years to come.