A United States special envoy has confirmed plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Washington steps up efforts to broker peace in Ukraine.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said he and President Donald Trump’s son in law, Jared Kushner, will hold talks with Putin on Thursday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Witkoff said he would also be engaging Ukrainian officials as part of the diplomatic push.
“I’m hopeful that all meetings will go well on that subject. We need a peace,” he said.
Witkoff claimed that both sides were nearing agreement, describing the remaining issues as the final “10 per cent” of a potential deal to bring Russia’s nearly 4 year war in Ukraine to an end.
Ukrainian authorities say they have agreed to much of the proposed peace framework but stress that key matters remain unresolved, particularly the sensitive issue of territory.
Kyiv is also seeking firm assurances from its allies on post war security guarantees, which it considers essential to preventing future Russian aggression.
The diplomatic effort comes as Russia continues heavy attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the height of winter, further straining civilian life across the country.
Washington has intensified diplomatic engagement in recent months in an attempt to end what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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