Trump Envoy's Ukraine Peace Push Falters After Putin Talks

In early August, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and reported to President Donald Trump that Putin was prepared to offer territorial concessions to end the war in Ukraine, which prompted Trump to plan a historic summit. However, Witkoff's subsequent communications with European leaders led to confusion and conflicting accounts regarding the extent of Russia's concessions, with some U.S. officials later clarifying that Putin's offers were less substantial than initially conveyed. This diplomatic effort, characterized by Trump's reliance on instinct over traditional protocols, culminated in an unproductive Trump-Putin summit on August 15, leaving the Ukraine conflict unresolved and causing concern among international allies. Meanwhile, despite Russia's public interest in peace talks, ongoing military strikes—such as a deadly attack on Kyiv killing civilians—highlight the persistent hostilities and paradox in Moscow's approach. Both sides continue targeting each other's military and economic infrastructure, complicating ceasefire prospects. The situation underscores the challenges of unconventional diplomacy amid the enduring violence in Ukraine.