U.S. envoys outlined ‘number of ideas’ on ending Ukraine war to Putin: Kremlin - The Hindu

**U.S. Envoys Meet Putin to Discuss Peace Proposals for Ukraine**

Washington sent two senior officials, Robert Witkoff, a senior adviser on Eurasian affairs, and former White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, to the Kremlin on Tuesday for a closed‑door dialogue with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian foreign ministry, the envoys presented “a number of ideas” aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, though the exact count was not disclosed. The meeting, which took place in the Hall of Mirrors, was framed by the Kremlin as a continuation of diplomatic outreach after President Joe Biden’s administration signaled openness to cease‑fire negotiations earlier this month. Trump, who has been publicly urging a settlement, sent his “best wishes” to the envoys, a gesture that was highlighted in Russian state media.

In the discussions, the United States reportedly offered a multi‑track approach that combined a phased withdrawal of Russian forces, security guarantees for Ukraine’s borders, and a roadmap for lifting economic sanctions contingent on compliance. The Kremlin welcomed the “constructive” tone but emphasized that any settlement must respect Russia’s “legitimate security interests.” In a related development, Putin announced a three‑day pause on missile strikes against Kyiv, describing the move as a goodwill gesture following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent cease‑fire proposal. The pause, however, was limited to a short window and did not signal a broader de‑escalation.

The meeting has sparked mixed reactions on the international stage. NATO allies have cautioned that any U.S.‑led initiative must be coordinated with the broader alliance and uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Kyiv’s officials remain skeptical, insisting that any cease‑fire must be linked to a complete Russian withdrawal. Analysts note that the involvement of Kushner—a figure associated with the former Trump administration—underscores President Donald Trump’s ongoing influence on U.S. foreign policy toward the conflict, even as the Biden administration maintains its official diplomatic channels. The next steps remain unclear, with both Moscow and Kyiv indicating a willingness to continue talks but demanding concrete guarantees before any substantive cease‑fire can be enacted.