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Morning Opening: Witkoff in Moscow
Today, US peace envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to visit Moscow for discussions with Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin, focusing on Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative concerning Ukraine.
As Witkoff aims to achieve tangible outcomes before Trump marks 100 days in office next week, he must articulate the president’s discontent regarding the recent Russian offensive in Kyiv, while simultaneously pushing for significant advancements in negotiations as Washington seeks to pressure Kyiv into accepting its proposal.
In an interview with CBS News, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is “ready to reach a deal,” but noted the need to refine several specific points. He acknowledged Trump’s unique stance, asserting that he is “probably the only leader on Earth who recognized the necessity to tackle the core issues that led to this conflict.”
Nevertheless, significant obstacles remain, particularly as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any concessions regarding territories occupied by Russia, including the critical region of Crimea.
Zelenskyy elaborated on his position, stating that “we do everything that our partners have proposed; however, we cannot comply with anything that contradicts our legislation and constitution.”
The Ukrainian president finds solidarity among influential allies in Europe. Leaders such as Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte have voiced their support, with Rutte emphasizing that the onus for progress in negotiations lies with Moscow, not Kyiv.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also expressed skepticism about the proposed deal, insisting that Ukraine “gets nothing” from the terms suggested by Trump. In response, Trump has asserted that Russia’s agreement to halt the war and refrain from further territorial claims is a “pretty big concession.”
It is Friday, 25 April 2025. This is Jakub Krupa, and you are reading Europe Live.
Good morning.
Source
www.theguardian.com