On November 12, 2026, US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, commenting on the outcomes of the trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi, expressed hope that sustainable peace is drawing closer. The statement came on the day of the American special envoys' official visit to Moscow, where a meeting with Vladimir Putin is scheduled for the first half of the day.
Witkoff's Statement: 'Peace Has Grown Closer'
According to RBK-Ukraine, citing TASS, when asked to assess the prospects for ending the Russian-Ukrainian war, Witkoff replied that following the trilateral contacts in Abu Dhabi, he has hope that peace has indeed grown closer. Donald Trump's special envoy emphasized that the outcomes of the UAE negotiations provide grounds for optimism regarding a sustainable settlement.
Visit to Moscow and Meeting with Putin
On November 12, US President's special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on an official visit. In the first half of the day, their meeting with Vladimir Putin is expected to take place. The main purpose of the negotiations is stated to be the discussion of the results of the meeting between the delegations of Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi, which took place the day before, on November 11.
Moscow's Position: Course Toward Achieving Set Goals
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that it is specifically Witkoff and Kushner who can influence Vladimir Putin's position on issues related to the conflict. "Based on what he hears from the Americans, he will determine our further positions," the Russian diplomat said. Lavrov also noted that Moscow's further course will be structured to achieve the goals formulated by Vladimir Putin in June 2024.
Further Schedule: Talks with Zelenskyy
According to available data, after completing negotiations with the head of the Kremlin, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to travel for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Thus, the American special envoys are holding contacts with both sides of the conflict within a single visit.
Context: 'Tough' Negotiations and the Truce Issue
Earlier, RBK-Ukraine reported that the Russian side chose not to discuss a ceasefire with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction, in turn, explained why the new negotiations with Russia took place in a "tough" format. These details indicate that despite statements about "peace drawing closer," key settlement issues remain a subject of disagreement between the parties.
