Moscow: US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that 'substantive progress' has been achieved in recent diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting movement toward scheduling additional trilateral talks between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv. Witkoff shared these developments while outlining the US delegation's meetings with Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

According to Anadolu Agency, Witkoff emphasized the commitment of US President Donald Trump, stating on the social media platform X that Trump is 'working hard to stop the killing' and is focused on pursuing a lasting and durable peace. As part of these efforts, Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday. This meeting was part of a broader initiative to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, which has entered its fifth year.

Following their visit to Moscow, Witkoff and Kushner traveled to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday. This marked their first visit to Ukraine since the war began in 2022. The visit came after Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary three-day cessation of hostilities to facilitate these crucial discussions.

During the talks in Kyiv, US officials were joined by national security advisers from Britain, Germany, and France, further underscoring the international dimension of the peace efforts. Witkoff expressed optimism about the progress made, particularly in Moscow, where new ideas were exchanged, signaling a potential diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The US hopes to revive trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US, aiming for a sustainable peace agreement.