US envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow for Ukraine peace talks as Trump seeks final agreement amid continued Russian attacks on Kyiv.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced he is sending envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow to finalise a Ukraine peace agreement.
Trump stated on Truth Social that “only a few remaining points of disagreement” prevent a deal despite European skepticism and ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv.
He expressed hope to meet soon with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but only when the agreement reaches its final stages.
The initial US proposal heavily favoring Russia has been replaced by a version described as “significantly better” for Ukrainian interests.
US officials acknowledged that “delicate” issues remain unresolved in the negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed rapid resolution prospects, stating there is “clearly no Russian willingness” for ceasefire discussions.
Frantic diplomatic efforts continued with US-Russian talks in Abu Dhabi and a video conference of 30 countries supporting Ukraine.
US negotiator Dan Driscoll’s spokesman described the talks as “going well” with maintained optimism.
The White House cited “tremendous progress” while cautioning about remaining “delicate but not insurmountable details.”
Meanwhile, Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv overnight, killing seven people and forcing residents into metro shelters.
Trump had demanded his peace proposal approval by Thanksgiving after previously boasting he could end the war within 24 hours.
The revised plan reportedly raises Ukraine’s proposed military cap from 600,000 to 800,000 members, addressing earlier concerns.
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov noted “common understanding on the core” of the deal between Ukraine and the United States.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that “there’s still a long way to go and a tough road ahead.”
Russia currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory after nearly three years of conflict.
Ukrainian army Sergeant Ivan Zadontsev acknowledged negotiation necessity, stating “We also are getting tired of war. We need a break.”
However, he expressed concerns that both US and European proposals “do not serve Ukraine’s national interests.” – AFP
