LONDON and KYIV, Ukraine -- Yury Ushakov, the Kremlin's top foreign policy aide, announced a significant development regarding the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Russia concerning the Ukraine conflict. Ushakov confirmed that a preliminary agreement has been reached for U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to visit Moscow next week. This visit is seen as a step toward establishing momentum for a potential Ukraine-Russia peace plan.
During an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin for the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin, Ushakov stated, "We have agreed to meet with Mr. Witkoff. I hope he will not come alone, but will be accompanied by other representatives of the American team who are working on the Ukrainian dossier." The discussions are anticipated to take place at a crucial time, as the U.S. and Russia explore avenues for peace.
If Witkoff makes the trip to Moscow as planned, Ushakov indicated that he would likely meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit follows reports from Bloomberg detailing an alleged phone call between Witkoff and Ushakov, in which the U.S. envoy appeared to provide strategic guidance on how Putin should frame the Kremlin's peace proposal to Trump. While Ushakov confirmed the call occurred, he refrained from commenting on its content.
Ushakov expressed concerns that the leak of this conversation was intended to undermine the ongoing peace discussions. "I speak with Witkoff quite often, but I do not comment on the substance of our conversations because they are confidential," he remarked. The aide emphasized that the leaks are not originating from Russia, stating, "Someone is leaking them, someone is listening in, but it's not us."
President Trump also acknowledged the upcoming visit, stating, "Steve Witkoff is going over maybe with Jared [Kushner]. I'm not sure about Jared going, but he's involved in the process." Trump emphasized the importance of negotiation, suggesting it is essential for both sides to understand each other's positions as they work toward a resolution.
Over the weekend, discussions took place in Geneva, Switzerland, where American, European, and Ukrainian officials convened to evaluate a controversial peace plan proposed to Kyiv. Critics have raised concerns that the proposal may require concessions from Ukraine. Russian President Putin has indicated that the framework discussed in Geneva could serve as a foundation for a final peace settlement, aligning it with the outcomes of his previous meeting with Trump in Alaska.
A Ukrainian official disclosed to ABC News that the original 28-point draft of the peace plan had been streamlined to 19 points following the Geneva talks. Both American and Ukrainian representatives characterized the discussions as productive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Geneva talks produced a framework for moving forward, expressing readiness to collaborate with the United States and Europe, highlighting the personal engagement of President Trump.
According to a U.S. official, the Ukrainians have tentatively agreed to the peace deal, with only minor details pending resolution. The source clarified that the agreement to the new 19-point plan was reached during the Geneva discussions rather than subsequent meetings in Abu Dhabi. When pressed about the remaining issues to be resolved, Trump referred to them as "standard things," suggesting that both parties recognize the mutual benefits of concluding the conflict.
Trump acknowledged the complexities involved, particularly regarding potential land swaps and the concessions that Russia may be required to make. "They're making concessions. You say stop fighting, and they don't take any more land again," he stated. The president noted that security guarantees for Ukraine are also being discussed with European nations, emphasizing Europe's desire to see the conflict come to an end.
As the situation develops, the Kremlin has yet to officially comment on the revised 19-point plan. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that any deviation from the understandings reached in previous talks could fundamentally alter the situation. Ushakov, in his interview, confirmed that the new plan had been communicated but noted that it has not yet been thoroughly discussed with the relevant parties.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that it is premature to determine if the warring parties are nearing an agreement. As diplomatic efforts continue, the world watches closely to see how these developments unfold and whether peace can be achieved in the ongoing conflict.
ABC News' Luis Martinez, Hannah Demissie, and Anna Sergeeva contributed to this report.