US Envoy in Moscow for Ceasefire Talks as Russia Gains in Kursk/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ US envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Moscow for ceasefire negotiations with Russian officials, following Ukraine’s acceptance of a 30-day truce proposal. Russia claims victory in Kursk’s key town, Sudzha, as Putin signals possible territorial expansion along Ukraine’s border. Putin’s adviser warns the ceasefire could benefit Ukraine, while Kyiv urges Moscow to stop delaying peace efforts. US holds $3.85 billion in military aid for Ukraine but awaits outcome of negotiations before sending further support.
US Pushes for Ceasefire as Russia Claims Kursk Victory – Quick Looks
- US envoy in Moscow: Steve Witkoff arrives for high-stakes ceasefire negotiations, after Ukraine accepts the US-backed truce proposal.
- Russia retakes key border town: Moscow claims control of Sudzha, a crucial Ukrainian operational hub in Kursk, though Kyiv has not confirmed the loss.
- Putin’s mixed signals: The Russian president visits military commanders in Kursk, while his advisers express skepticism about the ceasefire deal.
- Ukraine calls out Russia’s delays: Zelenskyy urges Moscow to act on the peace proposal, accusing Putin of stalling negotiations.
- US holds military aid for Ukraine: The Trump administration waits on ceasefire progress before releasing $3.85 billion in authorized arms shipments.
- Ceasefire dilemma for Moscow: If Russia agrees, it may lose momentum on the battlefield, but rejecting the truce risks damaging relations with Washington.
US Envoy in Moscow for Ceasefire Talks as Russia Gains in Kursk
Deep Look: US Ceasefire Efforts Face Uncertainty as Russia Gains Ground
US Envoy in Moscow for High-Stakes Ceasefire Talks
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff landed in Moscow on Thursday, tasked with negotiating a 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine has already accepted.
- The US hopes to pressure Moscow into halting attacks, following weeks of diplomacy between Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow.
- The Kremlin remains cautious, with Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov arguing that a truce would only benefit Ukraine by giving its army a break.
- Trump administration officials are optimistic but warn that Russia’s response remains unpredictable.
Russia Claims Major Victory in Kursk
As ceasefire talks unfold, Russia’s military announced that it had recaptured Sudzha, a strategic Ukrainian-held town in the Kursk region.
- Sudzha had served as a key operational base for Ukraine’s forces inside Russian territory.
- Putin’s visit to the Kursk frontlines, dressed in military fatigues, underscored Moscow’s determination to regain full control of the region.
- The Ukrainian government has not confirmed the loss of Sudzha, but military sources say troops are repositioning to “more advantageous lines”.
Ceasefire Poses a Strategic Dilemma for Russia
With the Russian army gaining momentum, Putin’s administration faces a difficult choice:
Agree to the ceasefire
- Could improve diplomatic relations with the US.
- Would allow Russia to consolidate recent territorial gains.
- Might slow Ukraine’s ability to regain ground.
Reject the ceasefire
- Risks losing potential negotiations with Washington.
- Could trigger new US sanctions, as Trump has hinted at further economic penalties.
- Would likely prolong the war, increasing costs for Russia.
Ukraine Calls Out Russia for Delaying the Peace Process
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media Thursday, criticizing Moscow for stalling on the ceasefire deal.
- Zelenskyy insists Ukraine is “ready to move forward”, while accusing Putin of playing for time.
- Kyiv remains skeptical about Russia’s true intentions, as Moscow might use the truce to regroup and rearm.
- Ukraine’s military leadership was shaken as Maj. Gen. Dmytro Krasylnykov, commander of Ukraine’s Northern Operational Command, was suddenly dismissed.
US Holds Billions in Military Aid Pending Ceasefire Talks
- The Trump administration is waiting to see if the ceasefire takes hold before sending further support.
- Some analysts worry that delaying aid could weaken Ukraine’s position, should negotiations collapse.
- Trump has hinted that new military shipments could be tied to Russia’s response, signaling a shift toward conditional diplomacy.
What’s Next?
- Will Russia accept the ceasefire? Moscow must decide between maintaining its battlefield momentum or pursuing diplomatic gains.
- How will Trump react if Russia refuses? The President has warned of potential new sanctions but has not yet outlined a clear response.
- Will Ukraine continue fighting in Kursk? Kyiv may attempt to hold positions near the border, despite Russian advances in Sudzha.
The next 48 hours could determine whether the war sees a temporary pause or escalates further.
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