Witkoffs Upcoming Visit to Russia: Renewed Efforts for Peace Talks on Ukraine

Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to visit Russia later this week, according to a statement from an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin reported by the Interfax news agency on Tuesday.

«We are expecting him,» said Yuri Ushakov in response to inquiries about Witkoff’s upcoming trips to Russia. Witkoff has previously visited the country several times since Trump’s inauguration.

Ushakov did not specify the exact date of Witkoff’s arrival, nor did he confirm if the envoy would have a meeting with Putin, as he has in the past.

Later, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed that Witkoff’s visit would focus on continuing discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Witkoff’s last trip to Russia was on April 11, where he had discussions with Putin and Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, in St. Petersburg. Following those talks, the Kremlin indicated that various aspects of the Ukrainian resolution were discussed, although details were not provided.

After a previous March meeting, Witkoff, a long-time associate of Trump who has collaborated with the president in the real estate sector, referred to Putin as a «great leader» and remarked that he is «not a bad guy.»

In February, Witkoff participated in negotiations focused on the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher imprisoned in Russia on drug-related charges, in exchange for Alexander Vinnik, a figure in the Russian cryptocurrency realm.

Trump warned last week that he might withdraw from negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict if Moscow and Kyiv do not demonstrate a commitment to advancing peace efforts in the near future.

When asked on Monday for his thoughts on Trump’s warning, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that he preferred not to discuss «the time frame» for a possible ceasefire agreement, but reiterated that «President Putin and the Russian side are still open to seeking a peaceful resolution.»

The U.S. president has urged both parties to agree to a ceasefire, yet significant concessions from the Kremlin remain elusive, despite Witkoff’s recent discussions with Putin and multiple trips to Russia.