Moscow/Washington: Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly signaled a readiness to bring the war in Ukraine to a close during a meeting with Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff, according to a Financial Times report citing three individuals familiar with the discussions.
During the St. Petersburg meeting held earlier this month, Putin allegedly expressed Moscow’s openness to withdrawing its claims over parts of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions still under Kyiv’s control. The reported offer marks a notable shift in Russia’s stance since the early stages of the conflict and suggests potential flexibility in previously firm territorial demands.
The talks with Witkoff are said to be part of a broader diplomatic initiative spearheaded by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has ramped up behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at ending the conflict. According to the Financial Times, Washington has floated a proposal that would see it recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and accept its de facto control over areas in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that Witkoff will travel to Russia later this week for additional discussions with Putin.
Leavitt stated, “We’re hopefully moving in the right direction” regarding Ukraine and highlighted that President Trump has voiced his frustrations with both Russia and Ukraine as part of his push to bring the war to a halt.
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Witkoff has already held three extended meetings with Putin focused on pathways to end the conflict. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov also confirmed on Tuesday that Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow this week, according to the Interfax news agency. The next round of Ukraine-related discussions is set to take place in London on Wednesday.
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Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed openness to meeting Trump later this week during the funeral of Pope Francis. Speaking to the press in Kyiv, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to engage in peace talks with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire is implemented and active hostilities between Ukrainian and Russian forces cease.
