Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, expressed a lack of optimism regarding the ongoing peace negotiations with Ukraine, attributing this stance to Kyiv’s position. He noted that Ukraine has repeatedly urged Russia to agree to a ceasefire and engage in discussions, yet it is Russia that has consistently rejected these proposals.
Peskov also mentioned that there are few countries willing to assist in the peace process. He referenced U.S. Special Representative Steve Vitkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Biden, stating that no specific dates for their visit to Russia have been planned. However, he added that both Vitkoff and Kushner are always welcome guests in Moscow, appreciated by their Russian counterparts and President Putin.
Special representatives from former President Trump have visited Moscow multiple times but have never traveled to Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated in a July 28 interview that such a visit could occur within two weeks.
According to sources cited by “Suspilne” on August 17, the trip by Vitkoff and Kushner to Kyiv was discussed but has yet to be confirmed. Reporter Alex Raufogl from “Radio Svoboda” reported that these representatives are likely to visit the Ukrainian capital during the celebrations for Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24.
On August 8, TASS, without citing sources, suggested that they are also expected in Moscow.
Context
- On June 4, President Zelenskyy published an open letter proposing to end the war and conduct a personal meeting with Putin on neutral ground with international security guarantees and mediation. The following day, at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin stated he saw “no sense” in such a meeting and urged his occupying troops to keep operating.
- According to Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of the Office of the President, Zelenskyy has offered Russia various ceasefire formats, including aerial and energy truce options.
- On July 23, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the ASEAN Forum in Manila. Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with military assistance to Ukraine and stated that Moscow is ready to return to negotiations based on purported agreements reached during a meeting between President Trump and Putin in Anchorage in August 2025.
- In response, Rubio affirmed that U.S. policy remains unchanged, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution between Kyiv and Moscow, but acknowledging that it cannot be achieved in a single meeting. He also clarified that there are no existing “agreements,” only proposals were made during the Anchorage meeting.
