Ukrainian officials expressed low expectations for the Witkoff mission, citing Russia’s unchanged territorial demands and continued military aggression. Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Kyiv anticipates the logistical wheels of secondary sanctions to begin turning by Friday. He noted that Russia is not genuinely interested in peace and has demanded Ukrainian renunciation of NATO membership and recognition of Russian claims to four occupied regions.

Although Putin has occasionally voiced openness to a “stable peace,” he has refused to meet Zelenskyy without a pre-agreed ceasefire framework. Zelenskyy, for his part, remains open to direct talks, suggesting mediation by Trump or Türkiye’s President Erdoğan.

Pressure Mounts As Witkoff Returns To Moscow

Witkoff, a real estate executive close to Trump, has previously held personal meetings with Putin, sometimes without a U.S. interpreter. His visit comes at a time when both sides are escalating drone and missile strikes, and Ukrainian civilians are facing rising casualties. Witkoff’s perceived camaraderie with Putin has raised concerns among allies about his ability to convey a firm message, though this trip marks the first since Trump adopted a tougher line on Russia.

As the deadline approaches, Kyiv hopes international pressure will shift the calculus in Moscow. Ukraine also seeks increased arms supplies and secondary sanctions to deter Russia’s continued assault. A new prisoner swap, agreed in Istanbul, is set to return 1,200 Ukrainian troops, offering one of the few recent signs of limited cooperation.