Putin’s Message to Trump: Moscow’s Hopes for a Peaceful Resolution to the Ukraine Crisis

The Kremlin announced on Thursday that Steve Witkoff, the envoy of the U.S. President, delivered a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin to U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of upcoming talks on Ukraine in Paris.

Regarding Moscow’s expectations from the upcoming talks between the Ukrainian delegation and U.S. representatives in France, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that the discussions would focus on finding a peaceful resolution.

Peskov told reporters: “Our president recently had an extensive conversation with Witkoff, and we know that Trump has been informed of the content of that discussion.”

Peskov added: “We expect further steps toward seeking a peaceful resolution from the Europeans and Ukrainians,” noting that Europe seems focused on continuing the war.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Paris on Thursday, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against the ongoing Russian invasion.