• U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner are meeting Putin to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict.
• The White House is optimistic about a potential peace deal despite Ukraine's reservations.
• Key sticking points include territorial concessions and Ukraine's NATO aspirations.
• Negotiations continue as Russian forces claim recent territorial gains in Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for peace missions, Steve Witkoff, alongside his son-in-law Jared Kushner, is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a potential peace plan for Ukraine. The meeting follows productive talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials over the weekend in Florida, where both delegations expressed cautious hope for progress, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted “some tough issues” remain to be resolved concerning security guarantees and territorial integrity, according to The Hill and CBS News.

The urgency for these discussions is underscored by the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in substantial casualties and displacement since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Trump has expressed a desire to bring an end to the conflict quickly, but a recent leaked 28-point draft plan raised alarm among Ukrainian and European officials for appearing too favorable towards Russia. This draft has since been revised following input from Ukraine and its allies, indicating a shift towards a more balanced approach, reports Reuters and BBC.

At the core of the negotiations are contentious issues regarding territorial concessions, as the Kremlin insists Ukraine must cede control of certain areas. Zelensky has highlighted the territorial question as a primary concern, stating that it poses the “biggest challenge” in achieving a comprehensive peace agreement. While Putin maintains that he is ready to discuss peace, he has also threatened to escalate military actions if Ukraine does not comply with Russian demands, according to Al Jazeera and The Hill.

As Witkoff and Kushner prepare for their talks, they face significant pressure to facilitate a solution that both addresses the conflict’s root causes and preserves Ukrainian sovereignty. The evolving situation on the ground, including Russia’s recent territorial claims, complicates the diplomatic landscape. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have reiterated the importance of Ukraine's input in shaping any potential agreements, emphasizing that peace should not come at the cost of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, according to Reuters and BBC.