Janice R. Andrews
In a significant diplomatic move, US officials are en route to Moscow for crucial ceasefire talks with Russia, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin’s surprise visit to Russian troops in the Kursk region. The development follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s agreement to a 30-day truce, a proposal backed by the US, aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the delegation’s mission on Wednesday, stating that negotiators were traveling to Moscow “right now” to discuss the ceasefire. While Trump withheld specific details, reports indicate that special envoy Steve Witkoff is leading the delegation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the onus is on Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations, stating, “The ball is in their court.”
The timing of the US visit is notable, as Russian state media broadcast images of Putin visiting troops in Kursk, a region that saw a Ukrainian incursion last year. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russia’s operation to remove Ukrainian forces from Kursk is nearing its final stages. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced a strategic pullback to minimize losses, stating, “My priority has been and remains saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.”
President Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, asserting that Ukraine is doing “as much as possible” to protect its troops while accusing Russia of intensifying pressure on the frontline. He stressed the importance of international support, saying, “The key factor is our partners’ ability to ensure Russia’s readiness not to deceive but to genuinely end the war.”
Trump, however, issued a stark warning to Russia, threatening “devastating” economic consequences if Moscow rejects the ceasefire proposal. “I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia,” he said, adding that he had received “positive messages” about the potential for peace but cautioned that actions speak louder than words.
The Kremlin has yet to publicly endorse the ceasefire, though foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova indicated Russia’s willingness to engage in talks “as early as today.” Russian state media also hinted that Putin might address the Ukraine situation during a press conference with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday.
The proposed 30-day ceasefire, part of a joint Ukraine-US statement, includes provisions for a temporary truce, prisoner exchanges, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children from Russia. However, Moscow has historically opposed temporary ceasefires, arguing they allow Ukrainian forces to regroup.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the world watches closely to see if this latest initiative can pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
