US envoys land in Moscow for Putin talks, plan Ukraine war diplomacy

A U.S. delegation led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport on Thursday for high-stakes talks with Russian leadership on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the American negotiators will meet with President Vladimir Putin to explore potential diplomatic options for ending the conflict.

A diplomatic mission with a direct channel to Putin

The arrival of the U.S. envoys signals a renewed effort to establish a direct channel of communication between Washington and Moscow on the issue of Ukraine. While specific details of the agenda remain undisclosed, the meeting's objective, as stated by Russian officials, is to discuss pathways to conclude the military confrontation. This direct engagement at the presidential level represents a significant, albeit delicate, step in international diplomacy surrounding the nearly two-year-long war.

A multi-stop diplomatic tour

Speaking from the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, envoy Steve Witkoff outlined the mission's next phase. He confirmed that following the discussions in Moscow, the delegation will travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This itinerary suggests a coordinated, multi-party approach, with the UAE potentially acting as a neutral venue for broader consultations.

Upcoming trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi

The diplomatic movements were further clarified by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who announced the scheduling of the first official trilateral talks. "The first trilateral talks between Russia, the U.S. and Ukraine are scheduled in the UAE on Friday and Saturday," Zelenskyy stated. This announcement confirms that the Moscow meeting is likely a precursor to more inclusive negotiations involving Kyiv directly. The development is being closely monitored by the international community, including nations like Türkiye, which has consistently advocated for and facilitated diplomatic dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.