Putin receives Witkov as part of efforts to stop the war in Ukraine

Attention turns to Moscow on Tuesday, where a meeting will be held between President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoffas part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine after the Russian bombing intensified.

This comes the day after US President Donald Trump announced that "Very optimistic" An agreement to end the war that has been going on for four years is close to being reached.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt said that the president and his team "They worked hard on this file, and they all hope to see an end to this war"

The Kremlin announced that Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the US President, would participate in the meeting. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters "The Russian-American meeting will begin shortly after 5 p.m. (14:00 GMT). Putin will receive Witkoff, the chief American negotiator in the Ukrainian file, in the Kremlin. Jared Kushner will also be with him"

On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of taking advantage of the negotiations to try to weaken the sanctions imposed on it.

Zelensky, who is facing increasing political and military pressure, received a strong dose of support on Monday from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, who reiterated the Europeans’ mobilization to ensure "Just and lasting peace".

Macron welcomed the American mediation efforts, but clarified that "No A plan accomplishedtoday in the strict sense of the word". He added that "(This plan) cannot be accomplished unless the Europeans are around the table"

Following the talks, the French President made a phone call with his American counterpart, discussing… "Conditions for establishing a strong and lasting peace" And to "The central dimension of the necessary security guarantees for Ukraine"according to the Elysee.

Zelensky arrived in Ireland on Monday evening, where he was received by Prime Minister Michael Martin, who confirmed in a post on X "Ireland’s unwavering support" For Ukraine.