**US Envoys Arrive in Moscow for Talks on Peace in Ukraine**
On Saturday, U.S. special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow for discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This visit, confirmed by individuals familiar with the situation, marks a significant moment in the diplomatic efforts surrounding the war, which has now entered its fifth year.
Upon their arrival, Witkoff and Kushner were greeted by Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian presidential envoy who has been instrumental in previous negotiations and has maintained contact with U.S. negotiators during a hiatus in their visits to Russia. Dmitriev has participated in all prior meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and played a role in facilitating U.S. sanction waivers for Russian oil earlier this year.
A motorcade transporting the U.S. representatives and Dmitriev departed from Moscow’s governmental airport and made its way into the city, as observed by a Reuters witness. This visit comes at a time when tensions remain high and the prospects for peace seem distant.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that the United States has developed a new proposal aimed at resolving the conflict, although he did not provide specific details about the plan. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that after their discussions in Moscow, Witkoff and Kushner would travel to Ukraine on Sunday.
In a post on X, Zelenskiy highlighted the ongoing hostilities, noting that Russia had targeted two Ukrainian airports just ahead of the U.S. envoys' planned visit to Kyiv. The conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, is regarded as the deadliest in Europe since World War II, and a considerable divide remains between Russia and Ukraine regarding the terms for ending the war.
The Kremlin reiterated its longstanding position, articulated by President Putin in a speech two years ago, which demands that Ukraine cede control of four regions claimed by Russia and abandon its aspirations to join NATO. This stance remains "unshakeable," according to Kremlin officials.
Since the last peace talks in February, both Russia and Ukraine have escalated their military operations, conducting long-range air attacks deep into each other's territories. The situation at the front lines has largely remained static, with Russia making only modest advances in its efforts to capture the entirety of Ukraine’s Donbas region.
In recent developments, Ukraine has conducted drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, leading to fuel shortages and rising prices for Russian motorists. Additionally, approximately 30 attacks have targeted large warehouses, primarily belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, affecting the consumer economy.
On the ground in Ukraine, the conflict continues to take a heavy toll. A Russian drone attack struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in Kyiv on Friday, marking the 10th consecutive day of intense assaults on the capital. In response, President Zelenskiy vowed to retaliate against these ongoing attacks.
As the U.S. envoys engage in talks in Moscow, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to a resolution of the conflict and a return to stability in the region. However, with entrenched positions on both sides and recent escalations in military actions, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.