Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow to negotiate a peace deal aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. The White House has expressed optimism about the talks, which follow two days of discussions in Florida involving Ukrainian and US officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the talks as constructive but noted that significant challenges remain, particularly regarding territorial concessions. The Kremlin continues to push for Ukraine to cede territory in the east, a demand Kyiv firmly rejects. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have emphasized the need for Ukraine's input in any peace proposal. The situation is complicated by Russia's demands and the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, which are opposed by Moscow. The outcome of these negotiations could be pivotal for the future of Ukraine and its sovereignty.