Washington: In a renewed diplomatic effort to mediate the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Moscow this Sunday, according to a report by RT citing US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.

“I’m hoping he can have a breakthrough,” said Whitaker in an interview with WHO 13 News, expressing optimism over Witkoff’s high-stakes mission.

Witkoff, who has previously engaged in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is tasked with reigniting stalled negotiations and exploring options for a potential ceasefire agreement.

Although the White House has not released an official timeline, President Trump confirmed the planned visit and expressed urgency over reaching a deal. The President recently shortened his 50-day peace deadline to just 10 days, warning of severe consequences if talks fail. These penalties could include 100% tariffs and secondary sanctions targeting nations engaged in trade with Russia, RT reported.

Ambassador Whitaker further outlined the administration’s strategy, revealing that the US will sell arms to NATO allies, who would then transfer the weapons to Ukraine. The move is designed to maintain pressure on Moscow while paving the way for negotiations.

“I’m hoping that by the United States leaning in, selling our weapons to our NATO allies, that that will lead the Russians back to the negotiating table and actually get to a ceasefire,” Whitaker added.

Witkoff Visits Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Simultaneously, Special Envoy Witkoff was seen on Friday at a US-backed food distribution site in Gaza, as reported by CNN, amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis.

Witkoff toured the controversial facility operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GFH). White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Gaza to evaluate the current aid distribution network and meet with local communities affected by the conflict.

“They are there to inspect the distribution sites, secure a delivery plan, and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about the dire situation,” said Leavitt.

This marks Witkoff’s second visit to Gaza, making him the first US official in over a decade to visit the enclave—his initial trip taking place shortly after President Trump assumed office in January.

Leavitt noted that Witkoff and Huckabee are expected to brief the President upon return and present a final plan for scaling up food and aid distribution in the region.

Meanwhile, peace efforts in the Middle East hit a setback as the US recalled its negotiating team from Doha, citing a lack of progress in ceasefire talks. According to CNN, Witkoff criticized Hamas’ latest response, stating it showed a “clear lack of desire” to reach an agreement.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Witkoff said the US would now “consider alternative options to bring hostages home and create a more stable environment for Gaza,” without elaborating on those alternatives.

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