Washington, 2 December (H.S.): The White House expressed strong optimism on Monday regarding the prospects for a peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war, as special envoy Steve Witkoff embarked on a crucial diplomatic mission to Moscow. Witkoff, accompanied by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to push forward progress towards ceasing hostilities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed that the administration has been working diligently with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives to broker a resolution. Recent talks in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian officials yielded significant progress, although some challenging issues—most notably territorial disputes—remain unresolved.

Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov acknowledged substantial strides during discussions but emphasized that finalizing a deal requires further negotiation. President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to resist calls urged by the US for ceded territory, highlighting Kyiv’s firm stance on preserving sovereignty.

The Trump administration’s approach reflects an intensified diplomatic push using unconventional envoys, aiming to replicate the momentum garnered in previous Middle East peace initiatives. With Witkoff’s visit to Moscow, the US hopes to solidify agreements that could pave the way for a lasting peace, signaling a strategic and hopeful phase in international efforts to resolve the conflict.

This diplomatic endeavor underscores the ongoing complexity of the war, but the prevailing sentiment from Washington remains optimistic about achieving a breakthrough soon.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar