US envoy Witkoff to meet Putin in Moscow while Zelenskyy travels Europe amidst ongoing peace efforts

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, carrying an initial peace proposal that Washington hopes could help end the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Ireland as part of his tour of European nations that have supported Ukraine in its resistance against the Russian invasion.

After months of stalled attempts to halt the fighting, U.S. President Donald Trump is sending officials to push forward his peace initiatives. The discussions have been running on parallel tracks, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Ukrainian leaders while Witkoff heads to Moscow. Although this weeks talks could advance the process, limited information has been released to the public.

It remains uncertain how negotiators will reconcile the significant differences between the two sides, particularly regarding control of disputed territories. European authorities warn that achieving peace will be a lengthy process. Concerned about Russias potential future territorial aims and exploring ways to continue funding Ukraines defense, European leaders are seeking a stronger voice after being mostly sidelined by Washington. They are also focused on shaping long-term security assurances for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated Monday that he and Zelenskyy, who visited Paris, spoke with Witkoff by phone, as well as with leaders from eight other European nations, top European Union officials, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Macron indicated that the upcoming days would involve critical discussions between U.S. representatives and Western allies.

Zelenskyys Paris trip followed a productive meeting on Sunday between Ukrainian and U.S. officials, according to Rubio. Diplomats continue to face challenges in bridging Russian and Ukrainian differences and convincing both sides to accept compromises. Key hurdles, including whether Kyiv should yield territory to Moscow and how Ukraines future security will be guaranteed, remain unresolved.

Amid one of the wars most difficult periods, Zelenskyy is under intense pressure. He must manage diplomatic efforts, secure funding to sustain Ukraine, address a top-level corruption scandal, and maintain defenses against Russias military actions. The Kremlin reported late Monday that Russian troops had captured the strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region. Zelenskyy, however, stated in Paris that fighting continued in Pokrovsk on Monday.

Follow the ongoing coverage of the Ukraine conflict at AP News.

Author: Sophia Brooks