Moscow Welcomes US Peace Push as Allies Fear Deal Favors Russia

While Western allies argue over the logistics of peace talks, the Kremlin appears increasingly receptive to the diplomatic initiatives led by President Donald Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently hosted US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for five hours of talks, a meeting that signals a significant thaw in communication between Moscow and Washington. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has gone a step further, praising Trump as the only Western leader who truly understands the “reasons that made war in Ukraine inevitable.”
The warming relations between the White House and the Kremlin have deepened fears across Europe that a potential peace deal may require heavy concessions from Kyiv. Skeptics point to proposed terms that reportedly include Ukraine ceding control of the entire Donbas region. Trump has bolstered this narrative by claiming that while Russia is “fine” with his draft peace plan, Zelenskyy may not be. He alleged earlier this week that the Ukrainian President had not even read the draft proposal, further isolating Kyiv from the negotiating process.
In contrast to the smooth dialogue with Moscow, Trump’s interactions with European leaders have been abrasive. He characterized a recent call with British, French, and German leaders as containing “strong words” and dismissed their request for a weekend meeting as a potential waste of time. This disparity—patience with Putin versus impatience with allies—has led to anxiety that the US is prioritizing a quick exit from the conflict over the long-term security of Europe.
Despite the diplomatic opening, the reality on the ground suggests Russia is not pausing its military objectives. Putin has reiterated his demand for a “comprehensive settlement,” while his forces press their advantage in the Donbas. The Russian military claims to control large swathes of Myrnohrad and is storming northern Pokrovsk using armored vehicles and motorcycles. For Moscow, the diplomatic overtures from Washington serve as a useful backdrop to their continued territorial expansion.
As the “coalition of the willing” prepares to meet on Thursday, the central challenge will be reconciling these divergent realities. Zelenskyy is expected to present a revised peace plan, but with the US administration seemingly aligned with Russian sensibilities, the leverage of the European bloc is limited. The coming days will reveal whether the West can present a unified front or if the momentum has irrevocably shifted toward a settlement that redraws the map of Ukraine in Russia’s favor.