US Envoy Witkoff in Moscow for Ceasefire Talks Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, arrived in Moscow on Thursday for discussions regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The proposal comes as Russian forces have made advances, controlling nearly a fifth of Ukraine. While Ukraine has expressed support for the ceasefire, a senior Russian official, Yuri Ushakov, stated that it would only benefit Kyiv by providing its forces with a respite. Ushakov emphasized that the ceasefire would give Russia "nothing" and would allow Ukraine to regroup. He suggested the proposal needed adjustments to reflect Russia's interests, aiming for a "long-term peaceful settlement". Trump has indicated a desire to rebuild relations with Russia and avoid further escalation of the conflict, even suggesting potential financial measures against Russia if peace efforts fail. The U.S. has also resumed weapons supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Simultaneously, Russia claimed its troops ousted Ukrainian forces from Sudzha, a key town in the Kursk region. Putin visited Kursk, signaling a potential expansion of territorial gains. Zelenskyy criticized Russia's slow response to the ceasefire proposal, while the U.S. maintains $3.85 billion in authorized funding for future arms shipments to Ukraine.