In a significant diplomatic effort, a five-hour meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior negotiators from the Trump administration concluded without a breakthrough on a potential peace deal for Ukraine. The discussions, held in Moscow, were described by a Kremlin spokesman as constructive; however, several aspects of the proposed plan were deemed unacceptable to Russia.
Attending the talks were Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the former president's son-in-law. Their presence followed weeks of intensive diplomacy aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Since their departure from Moscow, the US team has not issued any public comments regarding the negotiations.
Earlier on the same day, President Putin expressed discontent with changes suggested by Kyiv and European leaders to a US-backed peace plan. He emphasized that if Europe is inclined to initiate conflict, Russia is prepared for that eventuality. This statement underscores the high tensions surrounding the discussions and the differing expectations of a peace settlement between the involved parties.
Ukraine and its allies have been actively lobbying for amendments to the draft peace deal, which was previously perceived as favoring Russia following its leak in November. In recent weeks, the proposal has undergone several alterations. After the Moscow meeting, Putin's senior aide, Yuri Ushakov, acknowledged that while some aspects of the plan were agreeable, significant criticisms remained. "We have not come up with a compromise version yet... A lot of work lies ahead," Ushakov stated, indicating ongoing challenges in the negotiation process.
Fundamental disagreements persist between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly concerning Ukraine's willingness to cede territories it currently controls and the security guarantees expected from European nations. The discord extends beyond territorial issues, as expectations for a peace settlement diverge sharply between Moscow and Ukraine's European allies.
Prior to the talks, Putin criticized European leaders who have supported Ukraine's defensive efforts since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. He argued that these leaders are under a false belief that they can achieve a strategic defeat of Russia. Reinforcing his position, Putin stated, "We are not planning to go to war with Europe - but if Europe suddenly wants to go to war and starts one, we are ready right now."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for a resolution, stating that he anticipated an update from the US team regarding the Kremlin talks. However, it remains uncertain whether Witkoff and Kushner would travel to Kyiv or other European capitals for further discussions. Before the Moscow meeting, Zelensky highlighted a unique opportunity to end the war, although he noted that specific elements of the proposals required further refinement.
"Everything depends on today's discussions," he remarked during a press conference in Ireland, emphasizing the necessity for Ukraine to participate in peace negotiations and secure clear security guarantees, such as NATO membership—a move that has long been opposed by Russia and dismissed by Trump.
Zelensky reiterated the importance of concluding the conflict in a manner that ensures Russia does not return in the future. In recent weeks, Ukrainian representatives have engaged in two rounds of high-level talks regarding the draft peace plan, which included participation from Witkoff, Kushner, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The White House has indicated that the proposals have been significantly refined, although the specifics remain unverified.
As the situation develops, Putin remains firm in his demands, maintaining that Russia has the upper hand on the battlefield. Conversely, Zelensky has consistently asserted that Ukraine will never relinquish control over its eastern regions. Amid these ongoing talks, Trump commented to his cabinet in Washington, acknowledging the complexities of resolving the conflict, describing it as a "mess."