Kremlin Confirms US Negotiators, Including Steve Witkoff, Travel to Russia for 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Amid Sanctions Discussions

The Kremlin has confirmed that a US negotiation team is en route to Russia to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The initiative follows recent talks in Saudi Arabia where Kyiv agreed to the US proposal, but Moscow has requested further details before responding. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the arrival of the US negotiators and mentioned scheduled contacts, though he did not disclose the members of the US team. The White House identified Steve Witkoff, an envoy of President Donald Trump and mediator in the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, as part of the delegation. In preparation for the talks, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov had a phone conversation with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Russia is seeking the lifting of sanctions, which Peskov described as 'illegal', as part of any potential agreement, but he refrained from discussing further ahead of the negotiations. Additionally, President Vladimir Putin is expected to hold an international phone call later on Thursday, according to reports from TASS.