Media: Moscow summit between Putin, Witkoff to define future of Ukraine conflict

The fate of Ukraine’s conflict may hinge on the outcome of a pivotal meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow later this week.

As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff withdrew from ceasefire talks took place in London on April 23, the pressure shifted to the Moscow discussions, expected to address the broader diplomatic strategy for resolving the war in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per The Spectator.

The London summit, which had initially been expected to gather top diplomats from the UK, France, Germany, Ukraine, and the US, was downgraded to a meeting between lower-level officials following the withdrawal of key US figures. Witkoff’s absence from the London talks is significant, as it enables him to proceed with his fourth face-to-face discussion with Putin in just four months.

This marks a critical juncture in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker peace, as Witkoff’s discussions with Putin are likely to shape the US stance in any potential agreement, including demands for concessions from Ukraine.

The speculation around a potential deal has intensified, particularly regarding Russia’s offer of halting its invasion along the current front lines in exchange for major concessions, such as US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any compromise on Crimea, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.

His rejection of former US President Donald Trump’s proposed seven-point peace plan, which includes recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, has put the White House in a difficult position. With the US peace proposal failing to mention Ukraine's interests in several key points, Ukrainian and European officials have expressed concerns that the US is prioritising its relationship with Russia over Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Despite this, Witkoff’s upcoming meeting with Putin remains the focal point. Washington’s approach to the Ukraine crisis could shift dramatically depending on the outcome, leaving European allies in a precarious position. With the US potentially stepping back from its leadership role in the region, European countries may need to decide whether to align with Washington’s terms or take up a more active role in supporting Ukraine's defence and diplomatic objectives.

The diplomatic standoff reveals a growing rift in how the US and European powers view Ukraine's place in the broader international order. While Washington seems focused on securing a deal with Russia, Europe may find itself at a crossroads, forced to either endorse a US-backed settlement that leaves Ukraine vulnerable or take the reins in seeking an alternative peace strategy.

The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the US-Russia talks will serve as a stepping stone towards peace or further entrench the conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev