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Senior figures from Donald Trump’s circle will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for talks widely seen as pivotal to efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, will attend the meeting alongside US envoy Steve Witkoff, following days of intense diplomatic activity involving stops in destinations including Florida, Geneva and Abu Dhabi. Washington has expressed strong confidence that progress towards ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since the Second World War can be achieved.
However, Ukraine and several European governments remain uneasy, with concerns that Witkoff may make concessions to Moscow. The envoy has faced previous criticism over his interactions with Kremlin officials, deepening fears that Kyiv’s interests may be sidelined.
President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Ireland on Tuesday, continuing efforts to consolidate European backing at a moment many describe as critical for Ukraine. The diplomatic meeting comes amid mounting military pressure, with Russian forces making notable advances in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks. Kyiv has also been shaken internally by corruption allegations that resulted in the resignation of its chief negotiator, one of Zelensky’s closest aides.
At the same time, Moscow has increased its missile and drone assaults on Ukrainian targets, prompting Zelensky to accuse the Kremlin of attempting to crush national resolve. While in Ireland, the president received an update from negotiator Rustem Umerov, who had returned from talks in Florida. Umerov said discussions with US officials had led to “meaningful progress”, although key and difficult issues remained unresolved.
Zelensky has insisted he still expects to discuss major matters directly with Trump, including territorial integrity, long-term security guarantees and rebuilding efforts. On Tuesday, he also suggested that Russia’s primary goal in engaging with Washington was to obtain sanctions relief rather than secure peace.
Moscow continues to insist that Ukraine must relinquish territories claimed by Russia as part of any settlement. The diplomatic push coincides with renewed fighting in Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian authorities say clashes are continuing despite Russian claims that the town has already fallen. The city’s capture would represent a symbolic victory for Moscow, which refers to it by its Soviet-era name, Krasnoarmeysk.
On the eve of the talks, Putin made a public appearance in military clothing as his commanders reported success in the area. He said the town was of major strategic and symbolic value and again underlined Russia’s determination to seize the rest of the Donetsk region should Ukraine fail to comply with its demands.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, branding it a “special military operation”. Kyiv and its Western allies insist the war is an unprovoked act of aggression that has devastated communities, killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee their homes.
European leaders are increasingly anxious that Washington could strike a deal directly with Moscow without properly involving Ukraine, potentially pushing Kyiv into accepting terms it views as unacceptable. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that the easiest way to end the conflict could be by forcing Ukraine to surrender, an outcome she described as deeply unjust.
A proposed US peace plan circulated last month reportedly reflected several Russian demands, prompting claims that the Kremlin had helped shape the document, which Washington strongly denied. Bloomberg also reported that Witkoff may have briefed Russian officials on how Putin should approach talks with Trump.
Much of the recent diplomatic manoeuvring has focused on ensuring that Ukraine’s position is central to any agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron has said the coming days could prove decisive not only for Ukraine but for the future of European security.
Russia’s military campaign intensified further in November, according to Ukrainian air force data analysed by AFP. A total of 5,660 missiles and long-range drones were launched at Ukrainian targets last month, representing a slight rise on October.
Zelensky said the barrage amounted to both mental and physical pressure on Ukraine’s population, warning that the country remains under relentless strain.
