Putin open to US envoys, but 'question is what they bring'

Moscow has signaled its willingness to engage with US envoys, though Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized on Friday that the content of their proposals will determine the outcome of any potential meeting. In an interview with Vesti, Lavrov was asked about the possible influence of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff or Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, on the American leader. "We are not refusing to talk to them, and if they come, they know that President Putin is ready to receive them again," Lavrov stated, according to a ministry transcript. "The question is, what will they bring?"

Potential Visit and Stalled Peace Talks

Lavrov's comments come amid reports that Witkoff and Kushner could visit Moscow and Kyiv in the coming days, with Russian state news agency Tass citing sources suggesting a trip within a week to ten days. The envoys are expected to attempt reviving Ukraine peace negotiations, which both Moscow and Kyiv have described as stalled due to Washington's shifting focus toward the Iran conflict. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov confirmed Thursday that Moscow would welcome the envoys "once it becomes clearer what their actual plans are," noting that a possible visit has been under consideration amid periodic media speculation.

Moscow's Position and Diplomatic Stance

Lavrov also addressed why Russia has not issued an ultimatum to the US before entering negotiations, stating flatly: "We don't issue ultimatums." Instead, he revealed that Moscow has submitted a series of questions to the State Department, seeking clarification on intelligence matters and the extent of US involvement in strikes deep inside Russian territory. The foreign minister indicated that Russia awaits Washington's response before any substantive talks can proceed. The envoys' last visit to Moscow occurred in late January, when they met with Putin directly.