Witkoff cancels Putin visit as Kremlin rejects joint U.S.-Ukraine peace plan

This was reported by the Financial Times.

According to three informed sources, Putin did not want to engage in dialogue on this plan through high-ranking Russian officials. In response, Witkoff decided to postpone his visit to the Kremlin leader, which was scheduled for this week. However, a representative close to Witkoff said that no specific trip had been planned.

The plan initiated by Witkoff includes 22 points, which were previously discussed by representatives of the U.S. and Ukraine during a phone call. On the Ukrainian side, the conversation involved Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. From the U.S. side, Witkoff himself, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg participated.

Europe also has doubts about Donald Trump’s strategy in relations with Russia.

“Putin is doing just enough to convince Trump that he is engaged in this effort to find peace in Ukraine, while also doing as much as possible to make sure it goes nowhere,” said a senior European diplomat involved in the negotiations between western capitals. “And Trump is falling for it.”

• On May 16 in Istanbul, a trilateral meeting of delegations from Ukraine, the U.S., and Turkey took place. After that, negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations were held. According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, issues discussed included a prisoner exchange in a 1000-for-1000 format, a ceasefire, and a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin.
• Zelenskyy said that everyone in Istanbul saw the Russian delegation as weak and unprepared, without substantial authority.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that a meeting between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is possible but only as a “result of work” after agreements have been reached.