TASS reported on Tuesday that social media have been circulating claims about a visit to Russia by Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East. However, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin had no information on this matter.
Reiterating earlier statements, Peskov emphasized that dialogues between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia had been initiated at various levels and were gaining traction. However, he stressed that there was no new information regarding discussions on Ukraine.
The spokesperson’s remarks suggest a continuation of the status quo in US-Russia diplomatic relations, highlighting a steady yet unremarkable dialogue process amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
However, according to a source speaking to TASS, US Ambassador to Moscow Lynne Tracy arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday and is currently inside the building. “The US ambassador is in the building of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Further details will be provided later,” the source stated.
Witkoff’s unannounced appearance in Moscow may suggest cooperation between the Kremlin and the White House on finding a quick resolution to the hostage crisis, possibly in response to Hamas’s sudden reneging on the deal with Israel.
Israel is also in contact with Russia regarding the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Netanyahu government believes that Moscow can influence the situation, according to Israeli Ambassador to Russia Simona Halperin.
“I am convinced that Russia does have possibilities to influence the situation and ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas terrorists. I am in touch with my Russian colleagues on this sensitive matter. When and if Russia’s efforts yield results, I will be the first to publicly acknowledge Moscow’s role and say thanks to Russian diplomacy,” Halperin told TASS.
Earlier this week, a war of words erupted between Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Ambassador Halperin, triggered by Russia’s praise of its ties with Hamas and its involvement in the ongoing hostage negotiations.
At her daily briefing, Zakharova was asked about Israeli statements, including comments from Halperin suggesting that Hamas hostage Sasha Trupanov was included in Phase One of the deal regardless of Russian involvement in his case.
Zakharova responded by reminding reporters that the 2023 humanitarian pause, which followed Russia’s appeal, led to the release of Russian citizens Yelena Trupanov, Irina Tati, and Ron Krivoy—without Israel having to pay any price for it.
Zakharova further remarked, “The concrete results we have brought have led Israel to change their negative attitude toward our contacts with Hamas. The critical tone has been replaced by a pragmatic approach, expressing interest in using Russia’s capabilities as a mediator.”
Zakharova concluded, “Russia will continue to work vigorously for the release not only of Trupanov and Maxim Harkin but of all the hostages.”
