U.S. envoys representing President Donald Trump touched down in Moscow on Thursday, marking the next step in a diplomatic push that began with two days of intensive negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Senior negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the President’s son‑in‑law, traveled to the Russian capital to meet with President Vladimir Putin and press forward on a proposed large‑scale prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
Key outcomes from Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi talks, which concluded on Wednesday, produced an agreement on a substantial prisoner swap. While the deal does not resolve the broader conflict, it represents a tangible humanitarian step that both sides welcomed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the exchange as a “positive step” but stressed that Ukraine will not concede any of its occupied territory in return for peace.
Trump administration’s goals in Moscow
During the Moscow meeting, Kushner emphasized two primary objectives: securing clarity on post‑conflict security arrangements and expanding the role of European nations, the European Union and NATO in the negotiations. He argued that broader European participation is essential for building a durable consensus on the next phases of the peace process.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that European representatives could eventually join the talks, though he noted that current statements from Europe do not yet indicate a willingness to move the peace process forward. The administration’s stance is clear – Europe must share responsibility for security guarantees while also respecting Russia’s concerns about NATO’s eastward expansion.
Continued fighting and humanitarian concerns
Despite diplomatic advances, fighting persists along the 1,200‑kilometer front line, with both sides employing long‑range missiles and drones. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 71 Ukrainian drones overnight and claimed strikes on a drone‑manufacturing plant in Kyiv, missile‑fuel facilities, and power substations in Zhytomyr. The ministry also reported a Russian serviceman killed in St. Petersburg after an explosive device detonated in his vehicle.
Ukrainian officials continue to stress the need for a ceasefire before any comprehensive security framework can be discussed. They also warn that any concession that allows Russia to dictate terms on European security could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Next steps for the U.S. team
After concluding discussions with Putin, Kushner and Witkoff are scheduled to travel to Dublin, Ireland, for a meeting with President Zelenskyy. The Dublin talks are expected to focus on finalizing the logistics of the prisoner exchange and reinforcing Ukraine’s demand that any peace settlement preserve its internationally recognized borders.
President Trump’s administration remains committed to a diplomatic solution that balances humanitarian relief with firm support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. By engaging directly with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders and urging European allies to take an active role, the administration aims to create a sustainable path toward peace while safeguarding American interests and the safety of our allies.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
