Before the Trump deadline ends .. Will a visit to and the conflict between Washington and Moscow ends up?

The Kremlin expects “important and useful” talks with the American special envoy Steve Wittouf this week, in light of increasing pressure to resolve the Ukrainian crisis before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

At a time when political and military tension between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, the international circles are awaiting the results of a visit to Witkeov to Moscow, which is expected to be on Wednesday or Thursday.
The visit comes in a critical moment, as the final deadline set by President Trump to the Kremlin is approaching its end.

Talks amid a field escalation

Despite the continued Russian military operations in Ukraine, the Kremlin described the upcoming talks with Wetkov as “important and useful”, praising Washington’s efforts in an attempt to stop the ongoing conflict since February 2022.

The two parties have previously held 3 rounds of peace talks in Istanbul, but the great contrast in positions prevented any real progress. While Moscow insists on Kiev’s recognition of its control of five areas, including Crimea, Ukraine rejects these conditions and demands the withdrawal of Russian forces and the provision of Western security guarantees.

“Unacceptable” conditions

Russia requires Kiev to give up its ambitions to join NATO, and to stop receiving Western weapons. Kyiv is considered unfair, and insists on her right to defend her sovereignty and independence.

Last week, Ukrainian President Folodimir Zellinski called for a “change of regime” in Moscow, in an escalation of words indicating the depth of the dispute between the two sides.

American pressure and threats of sanctions

The deadline set by Trump will be expected next Friday, amid threats to increase sanctions against Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is open to dialogue, stressing the importance of talks with Wetkov.

On the message that Witakouf holds, Peskov replied: “Yes, reaching an agreement that stops people being killed.”