Putin to meet Trump's envoy in Moscow for Ukraine peace talks

WISE NEWS PRESS / MOSCOW, Russia — Dec. 2, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow today as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to Donald Trump, is also expected to join the high-level talks.

The meeting follows two days of discussions in Florida between US and Ukrainian officials, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "constructive" despite lingering challenges. While the White House has expressed optimism about reaching a deal, the issue of territorial control remains a major sticking point.

Territory remains the hardest hurdle

Speaking after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy identified the territorial question as the most difficult element of any peace agreement. He noted that the Kremlin continues to pressure Ukraine to cede eastern territories, a demand Kiev has staunchly rejected.

Ahead of the Moscow talks, tensions flared as Russian officials claimed to have captured the strategic town of Pokrovsk and the border town of Vovchansk—claims that Ukrainian officials and open-source intelligence have not confirmed.

Putin warns of 'force' if demands aren't met

Last week, President Putin acknowledged the US-proposed 28-point peace plan as a potential "basis" for an agreement but reiterated his demands for Ukrainian withdrawal from territories claimed by Moscow, including Crimea and the Donbas region. "If they do not withdraw, we will achieve this by force of arms," Putin stated during a visit to Kyrgyzstan.

Details of the revised peace plan

According to reports, the revised peace framework discussed in Geneva includes:

• Military Cap: Limiting the Ukrainian army to 800,000 personnel (up from an initial 600,000).

• NATO Membership: Allowing membership if all allies agree, but prohibiting the permanent stationing of NATO troops in Ukraine.

• Security Guarantees: The US could offer Article 5-like security assurances to Ukraine.

• Territorial Resolution: Ukraine would commit to seeking the return of lost territories through negotiation rather than military force.

European leaders remain cautious. President Macron stated he sees "no will in Russia" for a ceasefire, while British officials warned of a "long and difficult road ahead."

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