Trump’s Envoy Heads to Moscow for High-Stakes Talks With Putin

Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a source familiar with the matter. Witkoff, officially serving as Trump’s Middle East envoy, has increasingly taken on a role in efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war.

Since taking office in January, Trump has prioritized mending strained U.S.-Russia relations, reversing the approach of the previous administration. Witkoff previously met with Putin in Moscow last month, securing the release of American teacher Marc Fogel, who had been sentenced to 14 years in prison for possessing medically prescribed marijuana.

Trump has expressed interest in meeting Putin personally, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Ukrainian officials regarding the war. U.S. officials intend to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia to facilitate a potential peace agreement.

The upcoming meeting in Moscow underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape as Trump pursues direct diplomacy with Putin. The high-stakes discussions could shape the trajectory of the conflict and U.S.-Russia relations in the months ahead.