The White House is seeking to revive negotiations on resolving the Ukraine conflict by bringing new figures into the diplomatic process, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to the newspaper, one of those involved is Rodney Cook, head of the U. S. Commission of Fine Arts. In June 2026, Cook led the American delegation to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held in St. Petersburg from June 3 to 6.

The FT reported that Washington hopes unconventional participants such as Cook could help break the diplomatic deadlock.

Cook also took part in talks in Russia during the summer, according to the newspaper. He declined to disclose what was discussed at the meetings and did not say whether he would continue contacts with Kremlin representatives.

One source cited by the FT said U. S. President Donald Trump remains optimistic and continues to believe that an agreement on a settlement of the Ukraine conflict can be reached.

Political analyst Malek Dudakov, however, argued that changing the people involved in the negotiations would not by itself resolve the main obstacle. In his view, the difficulties stem primarily from the White House administration’s approach to contacts with Moscow.

Dudakov said Washington’s position can shift while negotiations are already underway. He also argued that the American side does not always take into account developments on the battlefield or the broader dynamics of the conflict.