KYIV, Nov 26: The Kremlin confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow next week as diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine gain momentum.
However, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov noted that Kremlin officials have not yet seen a formal US peace proposal, despite recent talks in Abu Dhabi involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
Ushakov emphasized that no comprehensive roundtable discussion has taken place, though communication continues via telephone.
Ukrainian officials have not confirmed whether US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who has been actively involved in the peace process, will visit Kyiv in the coming days.
US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, made public last week, appeared to favor Russian demands, prompting extensive diplomatic maneuvering.
Following Geneva talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the plan “workable,” although key points remain unresolved, and he hopes to meet Trump soon.
Witkoff reportedly advised Russia on presenting the plan to Trump, a move Trump described as standard negotiation procedure.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of the leaked call, noting potential disruptions from various parties and cautioning that it is too early to claim that a peace agreement is imminent.
Meanwhile, the war continues, with Russia conducting drone attacks in Ukraine.
In Zaporizhzhia, more than 50 residential buildings, including a university dormitory, were damaged, wounding at least 19 people.
Russian air defenses claimed to have shot down 33 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian territory and the Black Sea.
European leaders have also emphasized the need for their involvement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that any deal negotiated without Ukrainian and European approval would lack legitimacy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that recent diplomatic developments present a real opportunity for progress.
She insisted that a settlement must include security guarantees for Ukraine, while not restricting its armed forces or blocking its NATO aspirations.
Von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine’s security is integral to European security, underlining the importance of a durable, balanced agreement that protects Ukraine from future aggression. (AP)
