**Russian President Putin and US Envoy Discuss Direct Talks with Ukraine**
In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met in Moscow on April 25 to discuss the possibility of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. According to Yuri Ushakov, a presidential aide, the conversation was “constructive and useful” and helped bring Russia and the US closer on Ukraine and other international issues.
The meeting follows a mass Russian missile and drone assault on Ukraine on April 24, which targeted major cities including Kyiv, killing at least 12 people and injuring 87. The attack has heightened tensions between Russia and the West, with the Trump administration ramping up efforts to secure a ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
**A Glimmer of Hope?**
While the meeting is seen as a positive development, it remains unclear whether Russia is committed to peace talks or simply trying to buy time. The US has warned that if progress is not made soon, they may end mediation efforts. Donald Trump, who met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on April 24, reiterated his personal deadline for finalizing a deal and said both sides “want peace.”
However, the peace proposal presented by Witkoff to European officials in Paris on April 17 has been widely criticized, including provisions that would recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, ban Ukraine from joining NATO, and lift sanctions imposed since 2014. A counterproposal submitted by Ukrainian and European officials calls for a full and unconditional ceasefire before territorial issues are addressed.
**Russia Continues to Fight**
Despite the ongoing talks, Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine, with reports emerging of intensified offensive operations across the country. Kyiv has accepted a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, introduced in March, but Moscow has refused to comply.
As tensions remain high, it is unclear whether direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv will yield meaningful results or simply delay an inevitable confrontation.
