A high-level US delegation is on its way to Moscow for negotiations on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, as announced by President Donald Trump. The diplomatic move follows Ukraine’s agreement to a 30-day truce, reached during talks with American officials in Saudi Arabia.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the next step is in Russia’s hands, stating that peace negotiations are the only viable solution to ending the conflict. The Kremlin has acknowledged the proposal and is reviewing its terms.
Trump and Putin: A Potential Conversation?
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia is examining the ceasefire plan and will provide further updates “through various channels” in the coming days. A phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is also being considered. 
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump mentioned receiving “positive signals” regarding the ceasefire but cautioned that optimism alone is not enough. “This is a very serious situation,” he added.
Who is Leading the Moscow Talks?
While Trump did not disclose the officials traveling to Russia, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that National Security Secretary Mike Waltz has been in discussions with his Russian counterpart.
Additionally, a BBC source revealed that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will be among the officials heading to Moscow following the negotiations in Jeddah.
“We urge Russia to accept this plan,” Leavitt stated. “This is the closest we’ve been to peace since the war began.”
Putin’s Visit to Kursk: A Show of Strength?
Even as diplomatic efforts unfold, fighting in Ukraine continues. Russian drones and missiles struck multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kryvyy Rih, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have intensified operations in Kursk, with Peskov claiming they are “successfully advancing and reclaiming lost territory.”
On Wednesday, the Kremlin released footage of Putin visiting a military command post in Kursk, accompanied by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. Both were seen wearing combat gear, signaling Russia’s ongoing commitment to its military campaign.
This marked Putin’s first visit to the region since Ukraine launched cross-border operations last August. Reports from Russian state media suggest that Putin has ordered the complete “liberation” of the region.
Ukraine’s Strategic Withdrawal
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, acknowledged troop movements in Kursk, hinting at a strategic withdrawal. In a post on Telegram, he wrote:
“In the most difficult situations, my priority remains saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.”
Trump’s Leverage Over Russia
Trump hinted that financial pressure could be used as leverage against Russia if it rejects the ceasefire. “I can take economic actions that would be very bad for Russia,” he warned. However, he clarified that he prefers diplomacy, saying, “I don’t want to do that because I want peace.”
He also noted that discussions have covered territorial adjustments, though he did not specify whether Ukraine would be required to cede land to Russia as part of the deal.
What’s Next?
With US-Russia talks imminent and Putin showing no signs of backing down, several key questions remain:
- Will Russia accept the US-backed ceasefire?
- Can Ukraine secure a long-term security guarantee?
- Will Trump impose financial sanctions to pressure Moscow?
The world watches as diplomatic and military maneuvers unfold, with the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance.
