Trump envoy Witkoff to discuss Ukraine peace moves in Moscow next week

According to the Steve Witkoff — envoy of Donald Trump — a delegation from the United States will travel to Moscow next week to meet with Russian officials to discuss a proposed peace plan for Ukraine. 
The trip includes senior American officials, and is expected to involve a meeting between Witkoff and Vladimir Putin, the Russian president. 

What’s in the peace plan — and why it’s controversial

• The peace proposal — initially a 28-point framework — outlined by the U.S. reportedly included major concessions: limiting Ukraine’s military, blocking Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, and recognizing Russian control over parts of Ukraine. 

• According to leaked communications, Witkoff advised Russian officials that achieving a peace deal likely required Russia to hold onto regions such as Donetsk, or possibly doing a land swap. 

• Because of that, many Ukrainian and European leaders view the plan as heavily tilted in Moscow’s favor — raising concerns over Ukraine’s sovereignty, future security and territorial integrity. 

Kyiv’s reaction — cautious but open to discussion

Despite widespread apprehension, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s president, said Kyiv is ready to advance a U.S.-backed framework for ending the war — but stressed that any agreement must involve European allies and secure Ukrainian interests. 
Ukrainian leaders have affirmed their interest in negotiations — though not at the cost of giving up vital security guarantees or NATO aspirations. 

Russia and the diplomacy dynamics

Russian officials, while acknowledging the upcoming visit, have cast doubt on how far negotiations have gone. A top Kremlin aide, Yuri Ushakov, described the agreement for Witkoff’s trip as “preliminary,” and noted that despite receiving the U.S. draft, Moscow says the plan has not been discussed “in detail.” 
In previous discussions with Witkoff, President Putin reportedly signaled openness to peace — but that stance seems tied to major security and territorial demands including Russia’s control over certain regions. 

What’s next — What to look out for

• Watch for the outcome of Witkoff’s meetings in Moscow next week — whether the Russian side agrees to compromise or insists on maximal demands.

• The response of Ukraine and its European allies will matter: any deal perceived as overly favorable to Russia could face rejection or strong opposition.

• The stability and enforcement of any agreement: even if a deal is reached diplomatically, ongoing violence on the ground may challenge its viability and trust.

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Conclusion
The upcoming visit of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow marks a renewed push by Washington to broker a peace deal in Ukraine — but the stakes are high. The U.S.-backed plan under discussion remains deeply controversial: while it may offer a path to end years of war, critics warn it risks compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. As global attention turns to what emerges from Moscow next week, the balance of diplomacy, national interests, and regional stability will all hang in the outcome.