The planned visit of U.S. presidential envoy Steven Witkoff to Russia could shed light on whether behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, according to German outlet Berliner Zeitung.

Journalists from the publication noted that the trip-announced by the White House-may offer early indications of whether quiet moves toward compromise between Moscow and Kyiv are taking shape, even if not publicly acknowledged.

However, the article also pointed out that the chances of reaching a peace agreement in the near term remain extremely low.

On August 4, former U. S. President Donald Trump stated that Witkoff could travel to Moscow as early as the following Wednesday or Thursday. Russian officials have indicated they would be open to such a visit, adding that contacts with Witkoff are seen as meaningful, substantive, and useful.