Lead

Russian officials have signaled that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Moscow in the near future, with several statements from the Kremlin and its aides expressing appreciation for their role in addressing the situation in Ukraine. While no exact dates have been announced, the timing appears linked to the completion of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which was a topic in a recent phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday that the Kremlin expects contacts with US envoys Witkoff and Kushner to resume once they become available, citing Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The report also quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying that Russia remains committed to the understandings reached between Putin and Trump at a summit in Alaska last August, and that Moscow is not willing to take interim decisions or bend to ultimatums.

TASS, the Russian state news agency, has carried multiple reports with a more optimistic tone. In one June 24 report, Peskov was quoted as saying, "We are grateful to Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner for their efforts, which we consider highly constructive," and that they are willing to listen to all sides, which is "worth a lot." He also noted that they are "busy with other matters right now, but at some point their schedule will be less tight, and we expect contacts to continue."

Another TASS report from June 16 cited Kremlin Spokesman Peskov as saying that no exact dates had been set for the Moscow visit, but that the plans could be discussed after the US and Iran sign their memorandum. Peskov mentioned that the signing was expected to take place in Switzerland at the end of the week, and that the visit had been brought up in the June 14 phone call between Putin and Trump.

A June 14 TASS report quoted Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov as saying, "It has been agreed that US president’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are currently deeply involved in Iranian affairs, will visit Russia again in the near future."

Additionally, a June 17 TASS report quoted Kirill Dmitriev, Presidential Special Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation, saying, "I would not name specific dates, but the dialogue is definitely continuing. President Putin and President Trump had a very good conversation. All the Europeans and the British are furious that this dialogue is continuing. So we are definitely expecting [them] in the near future."

On June 5, Ushakov told journalists at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that he is in touch with Witkoff and Kushner, and that "their trip is being worked on."

Key Claims

  • Russia appreciates US negotiators' efforts: Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is grateful to Witkoff and Kushner for their "highly constructive" efforts and expects contacts to continue.
  • Moscow visit expected but not scheduled: Multiple Russian officials, including Peskov and Ushakov, have said that a visit by Witkoff and Kushner is expected, but no exact dates have been set. The visit could be discussed after the US-Iran memorandum is signed.
  • US-Iran memorandum discussed by Putin and Trump: Putin's aide Yury Ushakov said the upcoming memorandum between the US and Iran was discussed during the June 14 phone call, and that Donald Trump said an agreement is close and results could be announced soon.
  • Ukraine in contact with US negotiators: Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, is in contact with Witkoff and Kushner, and Ukraine hopes for a visit.
  • Russia committed to 'Spirit of Anchorage': Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia remains committed to the understandings reached with the US at the Anchorage summit, and is not willing to accept ultimatums.
  • Europeans and British frustrated: Kirill Dmitriev claimed that Europeans and the British are "furious" about the continuing dialogue between Russia and the US.

Perspectives

Kremlin and Russian officials

Russian officials, including Dmitry Peskov, Yury Ushakov, Sergei Lavrov, and Kirill Dmitriev, express appreciation for Witkoff and Kushner's efforts, emphasize the constructive nature of their dialogue, and expect a visit to Moscow once the US-Iran memorandum is signed.

Ukrainian leadership

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky confirms ongoing contacts between Ukrainian officials and the US negotiators and expresses hope for a visit, indicating a positive outlook on possible mediation in Ukraine.