Kremlin responds as Trump envoys plan Russia, Ukraine visits for peace push

Russia has responded to a recent TASS report suggesting that the Trump administration’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia and Ukraine this weekend, Saturday and Sunday.

According to the report, the US negotiators’ visit aimed at ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been ongoing for more than four years. The trip will be seen as the latest effort on the part of the Trump administration to resume peace talks.

​Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov answered when asked about the TASS report, "I wouldn't make ​any announcements right now, but we will inform you when these contacts take place.”

According to Peskov, Russian position over the demand of Ukraine ceding the entire territory of four regions claimed by Moscow and rescinding its plan to join NATO is unshakeable.

Peskov said the possibility of eventually reaching a ⁠”peace settlement ​could not be ruled out, but the necessary basis ​for this did not exist right now.”

"The work continues, and the contacts continue," he said.

According to a source speaking to Reuters, planning for the Ukraine leg of the trip remains ongoing, with teams discussing Sunday as a potential date.

"The Russians don't want them to visit Kyiv and ​are trying to make them change the plan," the source added.

On Thursday, President Putin also signalled that there is a chance of reaching a peace deal with Ukraine. But some issues are responsible for complicating the talks.

According to Putin, Ukrainian blatant attacks on “civilian merchant ships" and "reported threats of attacks on civilian aircraft" complicates the prospects ​for bilateral peace talks.