Trump envoy's diplomacy fails to move Putin on Ukraine peace — SkimNews
Get the Geopolitics newsletter
Daily geopolitics — wars, elections, sanctions, the diplomatic moves that move markets. Free.
- Steve Witkoff held talks in St Petersburg with Vladimir Putin and conveyed European and Ukrainian 'new approaches,' but acknowledged 'important work to do' before peace is achievable.
- Yuri Ushakov stated that Witkoff's proposals 'weren't much there that was useful' in resolving the Ukraine crisis, reflecting Kremlin skepticism toward current diplomacy.
- Vladimir Putin has shown no willingness to meet Volodymyr Zelensky unless in Moscow, and the Kremlin only offered technical-level talks in Abu Dhabi next month.
- Donald Trump has paused some sanctions on Russia, agreed to buy Russian diesel, and criticized Zelensky, moves that ease pressure on Putin and align with Russian interests.
- Evgeny Popov claimed Trump is 'the only leader in the Western world who is doing something for peace,' framing it as a Russia-favorable outcome, while dismissing Western unity.
Why it matters: Russia gains diplomatic breathing room as U.S. policy shifts under Trump reduce pressure, while Ukraine loses leverage amid weakening Western cohesion. The lack of concrete progress despite high-level talks makes a near-term ceasefire less likely, prolonging the war into another winter.
Ask SkimNews
