**US Envoy to Meet Putin in Moscow Amid Intensified Efforts to Broker Ukraine Ceasefire**
In a move that could potentially shift the dynamics of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 25. This development comes as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to broker a ceasefire in the war-torn region.
According to Axios, Witkoff’s visit follows a summit in Paris earlier this month where senior US officials presented a draft peace proposal to Ukrainian and European counterparts. The plan reportedly includes recognition of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and barring Ukraine from joining NATO – two long-standing demands by the Kremlin.
Ukraine’s response to the proposal was expected during follow-up meetings in London on April 23, but US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Witkoff declined to attend, downgrading the talks. This decision came after Ukraine delivered a document to European partners declaring that Kyiv would not negotiate territorial issues until a “full and unconditional ceasefire” had been achieved.
**US-Ukraine Tensions Rise**
The proposal has landed like a bombshell in Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejecting any recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea. Zelensky stated that such a move would violate Ukraine’s Constitution and sovereignty. In response, US President Donald Trump took to social media to claim that nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, while also dismissing his rejection of the proposal as “harmful to peace negotiations.”
Despite these tensions, the US president has yet to impose new sanctions or take punitive measures in response to Moscow’s ongoing invasion. Instead, Trump has repeatedly claimed progress in the talks, despite Russia rejecting a proposed 30-day ceasefire and continuing offensive operations.
**Experts Warn of Global Consequences**
Formally recognizing Crimea as Russian would breach international law and potentially open the door to further global conflicts, experts warn. US Vice President JD Vance has reiterated warnings that Washington might drop its peace effort if the belligerent sides refuse a proposed deal.
Meanwhile, Ukraine insists on an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire, with Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko stating that such a step is necessary to prevent Russia from regrouping for further attacks. The European Commission is exploring options to legally prohibit EU companies from signing new contracts for the supply of Russian fossil fuels.
**Regional Developments**
In other developments, reports have emerged of widespread drone attacks in Ukraine, with a recent strike against the town of Marhanets killing at least nine people and injuring at least 30. The US has not called for reducing Ukraine’s military capabilities, but rather is open to discussing the deployment of a European peacekeeping force.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
