US & Russia Set for High-Stakes Talks in Moscow to End Ukraine War Amid Kyiv's Concerns
High-stakes diplomatic discussions are set to unfold in Moscow on Tuesday as US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff prepare to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. These crucial talks aim to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a war that Washington expresses "very optimistic" views about potentially ending.
Intense Diplomacy Amidst European Apprehension
The meeting follows a flurry of diplomatic activity spanning from Florida to Geneva and Abu Dhabi. Despite Washington's hopeful stance, Kyiv and its European allies harbor significant concerns. Critics fear that Witkoff, whose past dealings with the Kremlin have drawn scrutiny, might be pressured to concede ground to Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, concurrently in Ireland to bolster European support, finds these US-Russia talks arriving at a critical juncture for his nation. November saw swift Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv has simultaneously grappled with internal graft scandals, notably leading to the resignation of Zelenskyy’s chief negotiator. Russia has also intensified its drone and missile assaults on Ukraine in recent weeks, prompting Zelenskyy to accuse the Kremlin of attempting to "break" his country.
During his visit to Ireland, Zelenskyy received an update from Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian negotiator returning from Florida. Umerov reported "significant progress" in previous US talks but stressed that more effort was needed on "challenging" issues. Zelenskyy reiterated his expectation to discuss vital subjects with the US president, including territorial integrity, security guarantees, and Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. He also voiced his suspicion that Moscow's primary motivation for engaging in these US talks is not genuine peace but rather an easing of Western sanctions. For any agreement, Putin has consistently demanded Kyiv's surrender of territories Russia claims as its own.
Battle for Pokrovsk and Escalating Pressure
The diplomatic offensive unfolds against a backdrop of fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv confirmed ongoing battles in Pokrovsk, a town Moscow has sought to capture for months. This contradicts Moscow's earlier assertion of seizing the town and raising its flag there just a day prior. The fall of Pokrovsk, known by its Soviet name Krasnoarmeysk, would represent a significant symbolic victory for the Kremlin. On the eve of the Witkoff meeting, Putin was pictured in military attire, receiving assurances from his commanders that the town had been secured. "We all understand just how important" this capture is, Putin reportedly stated. Last week, he reaffirmed Russia's intent to seize the remainder of the Donetsk region by force if Kyiv refuses to cede control of the land.
War's Toll and International Anxieties
The full-scale military assault on Ukraine, initiated by Putin in February 2022 and termed a "special military operation," is widely condemned by Kyiv and its European partners as an unprovoked and illegal land grab. The conflict has unleashed a devastating wave of violence and destruction, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel and displacing millions of Ukrainians.
European nations, particularly those that have provided substantial funding and weaponry to Kyiv, are apprehensive that Washington and Moscow might unilaterally forge a deal that sidelines Ukraine's interests or compels it into unfair concessions. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, warned, "I am afraid that, you know, all the pressure will be put on the weaker side, because that is the easier way to stop this war when Ukraine surrenders."
Concerns were previously raised by a 28-point US plan last month, which reportedly aligned so closely with Moscow's demands that it sparked accusations of Russian involvement in its drafting—claims Washington denied. Bloomberg had also reported that Witkoff advised Russian officials on how Putin should communicate with Trump. Consequently, much of the recent diplomatic activity has focused on ensuring Ukraine's interests are adequately represented and carry significant weight in any potential agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that the upcoming days could prove "decisive" for both Kyiv and Europe.
Adding to the urgency, an AFP analysis revealed Russia's escalated drone and missile attacks throughout November. Kyiv's air force daily reports indicated Moscow launched 5,660 missiles and long-range drones last month, a 2 percent increase from the preceding month. "This is serious pressure, not only psychological but also physical pressure on our population," Zelenskyy remarked, underscoring the relentless impact on his nation.