US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, marking a renewed diplomatic effort by the Trump administration to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The meeting, described as “highly useful” by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, lasted over three hours and involved discussions on a proposal to end the war, which has been described as Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.

The talks come amidst escalating violence, with both Moscow and Kyiv agreeing to a three-day ceasefire to coincide with the envoys’ visit. The ceasefire is intended to facilitate discussions and potentially pave the way for a broader peace agreement. However, the specifics of the peace proposal remain unclear, with US President Donald Trump having previously mentioned an “idea for peace” without providing further details.

During the meeting, Putin emphasized the complexity of the situation and the need for compromise, particularly concerning Ukraine’s NATO membership and territorial disputes. Russia has demanded that Ukraine not join NATO and cede four Ukrainian regions, including territories not controlled by Russian forces. These demands stem from Putin’s 2022 proclamation of annexation of the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, a move not recognized by the international community.

The visit by Witkoff and Kushner is part of a broader diplomatic mission that will see them travel to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The envoys’ trip to Moscow marks their second visit to the Kremlin this year and their eighth since the start of the war. Despite the high-level talks, there is skepticism about the potential outcomes, with experts noting that the US envoys may be perceived as susceptible to accepting Russia’s narrative of the conflict.

The Trump administration has been actively involved in various diplomatic efforts, including those related to the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The presence of US officials from the National Security Council, State Department, and Treasury in the delegation suggests that discussions may have also touched on the ongoing financial, economic, and trade sanctions imposed on Russia.

While the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve from hostilities, the broader implications of the US envoys’ visit remain uncertain. The complexity of the negotiations and the significant demands from both sides pose challenges to achieving a lasting resolution. The international community continues to watch closely as these diplomatic efforts unfold, hoping for a breakthrough in a conflict that has persisted for over four years.