- Planned Diplomatic Missions Could Signal Intensified US Efforts to Advance Ukraine Peace Talks
MOSCOW: US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Kyiv and Moscow in the near future as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating a potential settlement of the Ukraine conflict, according to a source cited by TASS.
The anticipated visits would mark another significant step in US mediation efforts and come amid renewed contacts between Washington and the Ukrainian side.
US Envoys Intensify Mediation Efforts
According to the source, Witkoff and Kushner have stepped up their mediation efforts in recent weeks, with telephone contacts already held with Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also indicated that tentative dates have been set for the US envoys to visit Kyiv, suggesting that the trip could take place soon.
The planned missions to Kyiv and Moscow would potentially provide the US negotiators with an opportunity to engage directly with both sides as Washington seeks to narrow differences over a possible path toward ending the conflict.
Russian Markets React to Visit Reports
Reports of the planned visits also had an immediate impact on Russian financial markets.
The MOEX Russia Index gained around 2% during morning trading following confirmation of the planned trips. At 9:04 a.m. Moscow time, the index was up 2% at 2,259.05 points before easing to a gain of 1.73% at 2,253.06 points by 9:13 a.m.
The market movement reflected investor optimism over the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement between Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
Witkoff’s Previous Moscow Engagements
Witkoff has previously made several trips to Russia and has held meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin on multiple occasions.
During his most recent visit in January, Witkoff was accompanied by Kushner. Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov described their discussions with Putin as substantive, constructive, candid and conducted in an atmosphere of trust.
The talks reportedly lasted approximately four hours and focused, among other issues, on enabling Moscow and Washington to establish parameters for their further engagement.
Potential First Kyiv Talks for Witkoff and Kushner
Although Witkoff and Kushner have held discussions with Russian officials, they have not previously conducted talks on a Ukrainian settlement in Kyiv.
Zelensky has repeatedly indicated that the two US negotiators could visit Ukraine, and the latest reports suggest that arrangements for such a visit are now moving closer to realization.
If confirmed, simultaneous diplomatic engagement in Kyiv and Moscow could provide Washington with a new channel for assessing the positions of both sides and exploring possibilities for future negotiations.
BY: The Times Union – TASS
