US envoys meet with Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine peace agreement

On November 12, 2026, U.S. presidential special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow to discuss a potential peace settlement for the conflict in Ukraine. The talks followed a recent exchange of prisoners in Abu Dhabi, which Witkoff described as a significant sign of progress. During the discussions, Kushner advocated for the inclusion of European partners in future negotiations, a position that aligns with growing European concerns about being excluded from decisions impacting regional security.

President Putin proposed a joint Russian-Ukrainian humanitarian mission in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka. This initiative is intended to mirror a model implemented in Olesky, which facilitated resident evacuations and humanitarian aid deliveries late last month. Putin indicated that Russia would require five days to clear mines from the area to enable the mission.

Following the meeting, the U.S. delegation departed for Dublin to brief President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Witkoff confirmed that a new round of trilateral negotiations involving European participation has been scheduled, aiming to build on the momentum achieved in Moscow. Meanwhile, Kremlin officials indicated that further meetings between President Putin and Donald Trump are planned during the upcoming APEC summit in China.