Russia's expectations for Witkoff-Kushner Moscow visit 'extremely low' — Bloomberg
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to arrive in Moscow on Saturday with a proposal to end the war in Ukraine, but sources close to the Kremlin voiced pessimism about reaching any deal.
American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are due to arrive in Moscow on Saturday with a proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, though sources close to the Kremlin told Bloomberg that expectations for the visit are extremely low.
According to Bloomberg's sources, previous trips by Witkoff and Kushner to Russia produced no progress, and there is no reason to believe this visit will bring proposals acceptable to Moscow.
Russia's demands growing tougher
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sources said Russian leader Vladimir Putin is willing to end the war only on his own terms, and that Russia's demands are becoming increasingly harsh as it believes it holds a military advantage. The report notes it remains unclear whether the American officials will offer any new initiatives capable of breaking the deadlock in negotiations over what is described as Europe's most serious conflict since World War II.
The report adds that Putin has given no indication he is prepared to back down from his demand that Ukraine cede the remainder of Donetsk region as part of any potential deal — a demand Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
Kyiv visit also planned
On the evening of September 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that US President Donald Trump's special envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, would also visit Kyiv over the weekend. Zelensky said that during the envoys' visits to Moscow and Kyiv, Ukraine would ensure the normal functioning of Russian airspace.
This followed media reports suggesting Trump's envoys were discussing alternative plans for the upcoming Kyiv visit due to intimidation from Russia. Trump has commented on his envoys' upcoming visits to Moscow and Kyiv.
