U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Moscow today, Tuesday, as the White House expressed “great optimism” about the possibility of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Putin has maintained a hardline stance on ending the war, which has now entered its fourth year since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, “I believe the administration is very optimistic,” adding that President Donald Trump and his team “have worked hard on these efforts and all want this war to end.”
She added, “Just yesterday, they held very productive talks with the Ukrainians in Florida, and now, of course, Special Envoy Witkoff is on his way to Russia,” where he is expected to meet with the Russian president.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for discussions with his French counterpart on what he described as “very difficult” key issues related to the U.S. plan. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said Monday that “significant progress” had been made on the draft plan, though he noted that “amendments” were still needed.
Zelensky emphasized that achieving “real security” requires ensuring that Russia receives “no reward” for this war.