Trump Sends Envoy to Moscow in Bid to Finalize Ukraine Deal

AFP/APP

Washington: Former US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is sending his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week, as he seeks to close a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that only “a few remaining points of disagreement” remain, though European leaders expressed skepticism, and Russian missile attacks continued across Ukraine. He added that he hopes to meet “soon” with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, “but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages.”

Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump said Witkoff might be joined in Moscow by his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

An initial US plan, heavily skewed toward Russia, has reportedly been revised to incorporate more of Ukraine’s interests. An official familiar with the new version told AFP it is “significantly better,” though US officials acknowledged that “delicate” issues remain.

French President Emmanuel Macron downplayed expectations for a rapid resolution, saying there is “clearly no Russian willingness” for a ceasefire or to discuss the updated, more Ukraine-friendly proposal.

Frantic negotiations have been underway since the weekend, when Ukrainian and US representatives met in Geneva to discuss Trump’s initial 28-point plan. Latest talks, including US and Russian delegates, are reportedly taking place in Abu Dhabi, while leaders of a 30-country coalition supporting Ukraine met virtually on Tuesday.

US negotiator Dan Driscoll emerged optimistic, with a spokesman saying, “The talks are going well and we remain optimistic.” The # cited “tremendous progress,” while cautioning that a few “delicate but not insurmountable details” remain.

Despite diplomatic efforts, the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, continued unabated. On Tuesday night, Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia damaged at least seven high-rise buildings and hospitalized 12 people, according to the regional military administration.

The previous night, explosions rocked Kyiv around 1am local time as Russian drones and missiles struck, igniting fires in apartment buildings and killing seven people. AFP reporters described thick smoke turning red and orange amid Ukrainian air defense fire, as residents sought shelter in metro stations.