In a dramatic turn in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared Moscow’s readiness to negotiate a peace deal, pointing to U.S. President Donald Trump as the only global leader “capable of understanding Russia’s demands.” Lavrov’s remarks come just hours before Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to arrive in Russia for high-level talks with President Vladimir Putin.
The development follows one of the deadliest Russian strikes on Kyiv in months, killing at least 12 and injuring over 90. The attack has intensified global scrutiny and prompted Trump to issue a rare public rebuke of Moscow.
“We are ready to reach a deal,” Lavrov told CBS News on Thursday, “but there are still specific points that need to be fine-tuned.” He confirmed ongoing negotiations with Washington and described the talks as moving “in the right direction.”
Trump’s involvement has further blurred the lines between formal and backchannel diplomacy. Although he is not the incumbent president, his direct engagement—including a strongly worded message to Putin—has heightened speculation about an unofficial Trump-led peace initiative.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes,” Trump posted on his social media platform. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”
When asked about potential concessions from Moscow, Trump replied, “Stopping taking the whole country – pretty big concession,” referencing Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Steve Witkoff, a long-time Trump ally and real estate executive, is due to meet Putin in Moscow on Friday. His presence underscores Trump’s continued global influence and the increasing reliance on unofficial channels in crisis diplomacy.
Neither the White House nor the Kremlin has publicly confirmed the exact meeting schedule, but sources suggest ceasefire negotiations are at the top of the agenda.
The status of Crimea remains a major sticking point. Trump recently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russia’s 2014 annexation of the peninsula, calling it “lost years ago.” Zelensky, cutting short a visit to South Africa following the recent strikes, responded sharply.
“We follow international law and our Constitution. We cannot compromise on our sovereignty,” Zelensky said.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, speaking from Washington after a meeting with Trump, insisted that the next move belongs to Moscow. “The ball is clearly in the Russian court now,” Rutte said, emphasizing that NATO continues to back Ukraine’s defense.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron weighed in, stating that “U.S. frustration over stalled Ukraine talks should be directed at Putin, not Kyiv.”
Between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Russia launched 70 missiles and 145 drones across Ukraine, with Kyiv being the primary target. Ukraine’s air defense systems were overwhelmed, particularly in the Sviatoshinsky district, where civilian infrastructure suffered heavy damage.
Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old lawyer in Kyiv, described the chaos. “Windows shattered, doors flew off. People were pulled out of rubble. It felt like the world was ending,” she told AFP.
Ukraine’s military claims the attacks were cover for intensified ground assaults. “While we were defending against drones and missiles, Russian forces advanced aggressively on several fronts,” Zelensky stated.
He also alleged the use of North Korean ballistic missiles in the recent strikes, raising alarms over foreign weapons support to Russia.
With Lavrov signaling diplomatic openness and Trump engaging directly, the conflict may be entering a pivotal stage. Whether Witkoff’s visit leads to meaningful progress or becomes another episode of political theater remains to be seen. Still, the mounting civilian casualties and geopolitical pressure could make a negotiated resolution more urgent than ever.