Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will meet US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Thursday as part of renewed efforts to explore ways to end the long running war in Ukraine.
Speaking in Moscow, Putin said the talks will focus on possible paths toward peace and the future use of frozen Russian assets that have been held abroad since the start of the conflict. He indicated that some of these funds could be directed toward rebuilding war affected regions if agreements are reached.
The visit by the US envoys comes amid a broader diplomatic push led by US President Donald Trump to restart negotiations after nearly four years of fighting. Steve Witkoff, a close ally of Trump, has been tasked with sounding out Moscow on its willingness to engage in a political settlement.
Putin also said Russia is reviewing an invitation from the United States to take part in a proposed international peace initiative known as the Board of Peace. He added that Russia could consider contributing up to one billion dollars from frozen assets to support peace and reconstruction efforts, including in the Middle East.
On the same day, Putin is expected to hold talks with Mahmoud Abbas, highlighting Moscow’s continued engagement on multiple international fronts.
The meeting with the US envoys is being closely watched by Ukraine and European countries, as parallel discussions are taking place at international forums involving Ukrainian representatives and US officials. While expectations remain cautious, the talks mark one of the most significant diplomatic contacts between Washington and Moscow since the war began.
There has been no immediate reaction from Kyiv, but analysts say any concrete outcome from the Moscow meeting could influence the next phase of international efforts to bring the conflict to an end.