Putin, Witkoff Talk Possible Direct Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine, According to Kremlin

Russia and Ukraine have not held direct talks since the early weeks of the war, which started in February 2022.

Steve Witkoff, an envoy representing former U.S. President Donald Trump, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for a three-hour closed-door discussion aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, the dialogue brought U.S. and Russian positions closer, signaling potential momentum toward direct negotiations.

Witkoff, now seen as a primary intermediary between Washington and Moscow under Trump’s influence, has reportedly met with Putin on three separate occasions. The latest meeting, described by Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov as “constructive and very useful,” focused heavily on the possibility of resuming direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine—something that hasn’t occurred since the early stages of the war.

Footage aired by Russian state media on Thursday showed the two men greeting each other warmly at the Kremlin before beginning the high-level talks. Ushakov emphasized that discussions extended beyond Ukraine, covering a range of international topics where progress was reportedly made.

The talks come amid heightened tension in the region. On the same day Witkoff arrived in Moscow, Russian strikes on Kyiv left at least 12 people dead. Reacting on social media, Trump urged Russian President Putin to halt the violence, writing: “Vladimir, STOP! Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

While the White House and Witkoff have not issued formal statements regarding the outcome of the meeting, sources suggest his visit follows friction between U.S. and European officials over proposed terms of a peace deal. Among the more controversial proposals: freezing the conflict along current front lines and recognizing Russian control of Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014.

In a recent interview with TIME magazine, Trump reportedly stated, “Crimea will stay with Russia. And Zelenskyy understands that.” Ukrainian officials, however, have firmly rejected any plan that cedes sovereign territory to Russia, reiterating that Crimea remains part of Ukraine.

Despite this, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hinted in recent months at a willingness to pursue diplomatic efforts to recover Russian-held regions, but only once a formal ceasefire is in place.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed on Thursday that Moscow is open to a peace agreement, though he noted unresolved issues still need to be addressed before any deal can move forward.

As diplomatic efforts continue behind closed doors, the prospect of renewed negotiations remains uncertain. However, the Kremlin’s latest statement suggests that both sides are, at the very least, exploring a potential path toward de-escalation.