Chebureks Diplomacy: Why Witkoff and Trump’s Son-in-Law Really Showed Up in Moscow

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Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law spent five hours in Moscow over chebureks, sifting through a menu of business ideas widely seen as Kremlin attempts to lure Trump closer to Russia. Yet the marathon meeting ended without any deals — not even preliminary ones.

The main “achievement,” as Ushakov put it, is that “the positions of Moscow and Washington have not moved further apart.” As for any agreements, “the essence of the plan was discussed, not specific proposals.” In other words, no agreements were ever intended — so there is supposedly nothing to complain about, because there is nothing at all.

The reason for the lack of progress is simple: Putin categorically refuses to give up any part of the Donbas — both the territories already occupied and those still under Ukrainian control, which he demands the Ukrainian Armed Forces abandon. He also insists that the United States recognise these territories as Russian first, expecting the rest of the world to follow. This attempt to reward aggression is unacceptable not only to Ukraine but also to Europe. No compromise is possible on this point (unlike the questions of Ukraine’s army size or NATO membership).

So Trump now faces three options:
▪️ Apply pressure on Ukraine — though this offers him no political benefit, as much of his circle, a significant part of Congress, and many voters oppose such a move.
▪️ Start exerting serious pressure on Russia — in the hope that Moscow will later agree to negotiations on more reasonable terms.
▪️ Do nothing and watch how the frontline situation evolves.

Which option Trump chooses will become clear soon. But the central issue remains Europe’s position. Ukraine now primarily needs significant financial support — including funding that would also strengthen Europe’s own defence expansion and boost weapons production. If Europe accepts this responsibility, Ukraine will be able to endure and maintain its negotiating position. If Europe chooses instead to hand Ukraine over to Russia, then pressure will mount for a settlement on Putin’s terms.

One intriguing assumption circulating in diplomatic circles is that Putin refuses in principle to sign any agreement with the current Ukrainian government. He is reportedly proposing a ceasefire for the duration of the election campaign, aiming to negotiate a settlement with a different Ukrainian leadership afterward. It sounds absurd — yet it may still emerge as a genuine proposal from Putin.

As a reminder, a meeting between Donald Trump’s special representative Stephen Witkoff, White House adviser Jared Kushner, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin took place in Moscow. The meeting lasted about five hours.

At the same time, Russia refuses to compromise on key issues in the peace talks, which concern Donbas, the size of the Ukrainian army, and recognition of occupied territories. The Kremlin insists that these positions are fundamental to it.

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