IN BRIEF: Kremlin takes on future Putin-Trump call, timeline for Witkoff, Kushner's visit
- Dmitry Peskov hints at imminent phone diplomacy between Putin and Trump.
- Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff get an open invitation to the Kremlin.
- Putin plays it cool at CIS summit, avoids Ukraine talk while cozying up to Iran and Azerbaijan.
- No birthday cake for the Russian leader, just verbal pleasantries from regional allies.
Brief Summary
The Kremlin is signaling a thawing in direct communication, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirming that a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is on the horizon. Meanwhile, Moscow has extended a standing invitation to Trump associates Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, though the logistics of a potential visit remain shrouded in typical diplomatic ambiguity.
Why This Matters
This back-channel maneuvering suggests a fundamental shift in how the U.S. might engage with Russia under a new or prospective administration. If you are watching global markets or wondering about the trajectory of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, this indicates that the lines of communication are being cleared for high-stakes, private negotiations. Expect significant volatility in geopolitical strategy as private envoys begin to bypass traditional state department channels.