Russia: On Saturday, Russia urged the US administration to consider the realities on the ground in any settlement of the war in Ukraine, claiming that the situation was shifting against Kiev. The call was made in the context of ongoing tensions and the search for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

According to TRTworld.com, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized the importance of the US administration's readiness to invest in finding a real solution to the crisis. He highlighted the need for a settlement that reflects the current state of affairs in Ukraine. Ryabkov's comments were made to the TASS news agency in response to a query about the potential visit to Moscow by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

On Friday, President Trump announced that the envoys were traveling abroad to secure a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. He expressed confidence in their abilities, stating, "I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators. They've done a great job, and we sent them over to see whether or not we can get something done. And there may be a good chance that we'll do it."

The peace efforts have faced obstacles, particularly amid Washington's ongoing conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, both Moscow and Kiev have escalated long-range attacks, resulting in increased civilian casualties, reminiscent of the conflict's early days.

Witkoff and Kushner have prior experience in international negotiations, having been involved in ceasefire talks regarding Gaza and Iran. Their multiple visits to Moscow underscore their role in previous diplomatic initiatives.

This latest move by Washington represents an effort to overcome the diplomatic deadlock in what has become Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, initiated by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.