Kyiv/ Moscow– Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a renewed phase of diplomatic engagement with the United States, announcing plans to meet senior American representatives in Moscow. According to Russian media, the delegation will include US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner. The move comes amid ongoing international focus on the Ukraine conflict and efforts to explore dialogue to reduce tensions.
Speaking to permanent members of the Russian Security Council, Putin confirmed that the discussions with the US delegation would follow his scheduled talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Reports from TASS, Russia’s state news agency, noted that the Kremlin views the visit as part of broader efforts to maintain diplomatic channels with Washington despite deep disagreements over Ukraine.
The discussions are expected to focus on a potential Ukrainian settlement. Putin stressed that dialogue remains necessary, even as military operations continue, and indicated his willingness to discuss Moscow’s possible involvement in a proposed Board of Peace initiative, reportedly supported by Trump as a direct platform for conflict resolution.
Earlier, Witkoff had confirmed the Moscow trip, with Kushner accompanying him. Both had previously met Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Putin’s special representative, during the World Economic Forum on January 20. Reports described the closed-door meeting as “constructive and positive.”
The Board of Peace concept, promoted by Trump, aims to facilitate direct negotiations between world leaders, bypassing slower traditional international institutions. Putin’s engagement suggests Moscow may be open to exploring alternative diplomatic avenues.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s intentions. He argued that genuine diplomatic efforts would prioritize negotiations over missile strikes, energy blackouts, and threats to Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure. Zelensky highlighted ongoing challenges in the country’s energy sector, noting that around 58,000 workers are engaged in repairs, with additional crews deployed to Kyiv and other regions affected by shelling, including Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia.
Zelensky also noted continued coordination with US representatives, including National Security and Defence Council head Rustem Umerov, to draft documents aimed at ending the conflict and keeping Washington informed of conditions in Ukraine.
