Meeting in Moscow: Donald Trump’s Envoy, Steve Witkoff, Discusses the Resolution of the Ukraine Conflict with Vladimir Putin

On Friday, April 11, 2025, Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss possible developments regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This high-level meeting, marked by significant exchanges, focused on the “settlement” of the conflict, although the Kremlin clarified that no “breakthrough” diplomatic progress was expected from these talks. According to Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, “Putin will listen to him,” and the discussions will cover various aspects of the Ukrainian situation.

Cautious Diplomacy and the Search for Solutions

This marks the third meeting between Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin, following those in February and March 2025. Donald Trump’s envoy, who took charge of negotiations concerning Ukraine in March, has replaced General Keith Kellogg, who is now solely responsible for relations with Kiev. While no significant progress is anticipated, this meeting reflects Washington’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, despite the ongoing tensions.

The context of this meeting is marked by the contradictory signals sent by President Donald Trump, who, while seeking to bring the U.S. closer to Russia for a rapid ceasefire, has also made sharp criticisms of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump has further insisted that “Russia must move” in the face of a conflict that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives.

A Strategic Diplomatic Moment

This visit comes after a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington, a symbolic gesture of thawing diplomatic relations, and ahead of discussions on the role of diplomatic missions between the two countries. It is part of Donald Trump’s desire to find a swift resolution to the conflict while redefining international relations.

The discussions on Friday also followed a recent round of negotiations, with particular attention given to the humanitarian situation and the conditions for peace. While Russia previously rejected a proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, discussions remain open on specific proposals, such as a moratorium on strikes targeting energy infrastructure.

In a context where Ukraine fears being forced to make concessions by its powerful ally, international pressure remains palpable. Steve Witkoff will continue his negotiations, with a new mission scheduled in Oman to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue, in a geopolitical climate where U.S. diplomacy seeks to strengthen its alliances while managing international tensions.