In Moscow, they are once again anticipating an important guest — the envoy of U.S.
President Donald Trump, Steven Vitkoff, who is scheduled to arrive in Russia this week. This news surprised many experts and analysts, as his previous visits to Russia were shrouded in political intrigues and diplomatic complexities. According to Russian sources, notably Yuri Ushakov, a senior assistant to the Russian president, the Russian side expects the official’s arrival, with a remark that "we are waiting." This statement appeared in a comment from the Russian agency Interfax and is an important signal regarding the further development of bilateral relations.
It is known that Steven Vitkoff has visited Russia three times since beginning his work in Washington and has met with President Vladimir Putin as part of U.S. diplomatic initiatives aimed at exploring ways to end Russia’s large-scale military aggression against Ukraine. His latest visit to Moscow took place in the context of ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.
This time, the envoy’s visit occurs amid major international negotiations in London, scheduled for April 23. There, the U.S., Ukraine, and European allies plan to discuss further steps to cease hostilities on Ukrainian territory. According to American media, including The Wall Street Journal, U.S. diplomats have already presented the Ukrainian delegation with their ideas for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Notably, these proposals include possible recognition by the U.S. of the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Ukraine's non-membership in NATO.
At the same time, media reports indicate that Ukraine is currently preparing to respond to these proposals in London. Publications note that the U.S. seeks to find compromise solutions to reduce tensions around the conflict and explore paths toward diplomatic settlement. However, as is known, the Kyiv authorities and international partners remain cautious, analyzing possible scenarios and the consequences of such proposals.
The role of Steven Vitkoff in this diplomatic process remains an open question. His upcoming visit is unlikely to be coincidental — it is another step in a broader game for possible peace and the search for a compromise between the West and Moscow. Vladimir Putin is probably continuing to use such diplomatic meetings to shape his own position and diversify international support. Nonetheless, the confidentiality and diplomatic secrecy surrounding these negotiations remain key features of the current stage.
For now, the world is closely watching this process with great interest and tension, as the future development of events could significantly shift the picture on the diplomatic front and even influence the course of the war. Questions are emerging about what exactly the USA and Russia aim to achieve in this dialogue, and what consequences it may have for Ukraine and other European countries. One thing is clear: attaining real peace remains a long and complicated journey, and each visit, each decision is more important than ever.
Whether diplomats will manage to find a balance between demands and limitations remains an open question. We continue to follow the developments and hope that diplomacy can find a way toward peace and stability in this urgent conflict.