Witkoff, Putin Hold Direct Ukraine Peace Talks

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for over three hours to discuss peace plans aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The talks were described as constructive, with both sides reportedly narrowing differences and considering resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The visit came after a recent escalation in violence, including deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv, which drew public rebuke from US President Donald Trump. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed cautious optimism, stating that negotiations are 'moving in the right direction.' Witkoff has now held several meetings with Putin as part of Washington's intensified push for a ceasefire, but major Russian concessions remain elusive. President Trump has warned he may abandon the talks if a truce is not reached soon.