Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday, after the White House announced that it is 'very optimistic' about reaching a deal to end the Ukraine war.
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who has been actively involved in diplomatic discussions, is also expected to attend.
The summit follows two days of negotiations in Florida between Ukrainian and US officials, including Witkoff and Kushner, aimed at refining a US-backed peace plan viewed as favorable to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the talks as 'constructive', but highlighted that 'some tough issues still need to be addressed'.
After a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's priorities in peace negotiations, particularly maintaining its sovereignty and obtaining robust security guarantees.
Zelensky pointed out that the 'territorial issue is the most difficult' aspect of the peace deal, with the Kremlin continuing to demand that Ukraine cede territory in the east, something Ukraine firmly rejects.
Witkoff also engaged in talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Zelensky, and Ukraine’s new chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, with key European leaders participating virtually in the Zelensky-Macron discussions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that the draft peace deal had 'been very much refined', expressing a sense of optimism from the administration.
However, following last week’s revelation that Putin saw a draft peace plan from the US, Kremlin officials later expressed skepticism about its acceptance amid alterations made by Kyiv and its European allies.
The initial draft had raised concerns in Kyiv and Europe, as it appeared to heavily lean towards Russian demands while dictating terms regarding several billion in frozen Russian assets held in Europe.
Macron emphasized that there was no finalized plan yet and that consultations with Ukraine and other European nations are essential.
EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that this week could be pivotal, yet warned that Moscow seemed only interested in negotiating with those offering concessions beyond what they already possess.
Notably, the talks take place amid claims from Russian officials about capturing strategic towns in eastern Ukraine, claims Ukrainian officials have yet to confirm.
