US ambassador Witkoff to hold meeting with Putin in Moscow while Zelenskyy travels Europe amidst ongoing peace negotiations

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, presenting a preliminary peace proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Ireland, continuing his tour of European nations supporting Ukraine's resistance against Russias invasion.

After months of stalled efforts to halt the fighting, U.S. President Donald Trump is mobilizing officials to advance his peace initiatives. The diplomatic approach has so far involved parallel discussions, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Ukrainian representatives and Witkoff heading to Moscow.

Although the meetings this week could potentially advance negotiations, very few details have been released. Significant gaps remain, particularly regarding territorial disputes between Russia and Ukraine. European leaders caution that achieving peace will be a prolonged process.

Officials in Europe, concerned about Russias long-term territorial intentions and exploring ways to continue funding Ukraines defense beyond this year, have sought a stronger voice after being largely sidelined by Washington. They are also planning future security guarantees for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated Monday that he and Zelenskyy, during Zelenskyys visit to Paris, spoke by phone with Witkoff. Discussions also involved leaders from eight other European nations, as well as senior European Union officials and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Macron emphasized that crucial discussions between U.S. officials and Western partners are expected in the coming days.

Zelenskyys Paris trip followed a productive meeting with U.S. officials on Sunday, according to Rubio. Diplomats continue to face challenges in reconciling Russian and Ukrainian positions and convincing both sides to compromise. Major obstacles, including whether Kyiv should relinquish territory and how to secure Ukraines future, remain unresolved.

Ukraines leader faces immense pressure during one of the wars darkest periods. Alongside diplomatic challenges, he must secure funding for the nation, address a high-level corruption scandal, and maintain military defenses against Russia.

On Monday, the Kremlin claimed that Russian troops captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk. Zelenskyy, however, stated in Paris that combat in Pokrovsk was still ongoing.

For continuous coverage of the Ukraine conflict, visit AP News Ukraine Hub.

Author: Sophia Brooks