In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian officials are preparing to engage in discussions with US negotiators after a series of high-stakes talks between the United States and Russia failed to yield any significant outcomes regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelensky indicated that a meeting would be scheduled in the coming days, following the US delegation's return from Moscow.
The US team included notable figures such as President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who spent nearly five hours in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Following these discussions, Putin's adviser, Yuri Ushakov, stated that no compromises were reached regarding the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Putin of wasting the international community's time in his response to the negotiations.
In his statement, Zelensky expressed optimism about the potential to end the war, asserting that the world recognizes a genuine opportunity for peace. However, he emphasized that any negotiations must be coupled with pressure on Russia to ensure compliance. The discussions in Moscow followed a series of meetings in the US involving Ukrainian and European leaders, amidst concerns that a peace agreement might overly favor Russian demands.
Ushakov noted that while some proposals from the US were deemed acceptable, they required further deliberation. He alluded to at least two major points of contention that remain unresolved between Moscow and Kyiv: the status of Ukrainian territories seized by Russian forces and the security guarantees for Ukraine moving forward.
There is a prevailing belief among Kyiv and its European partners that granting Ukraine NATO membership would be the most effective deterrent against future Russian aggression, even in the context of a peace deal. However, Russia has vehemently opposed this idea, and Trump has consistently indicated he would not support Ukraine's entry into the alliance. The question of Ukraine's potential NATO membership was a significant topic during the discussions in Moscow, according to Kremlin sources.
Ushakov suggested that recent military successes by Russian forces have bolstered their negotiating position. He highlighted that Russian military operations had influenced the assessments of foreign partners regarding the peace settlement pathways. Ahead of the US talks, Putin was seen in military attire at a command post, receiving updates on recent claims of victories, including the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Despite ongoing fighting in Pokrovsk, Russian officials are optimistic that their military advances have been acknowledged by the US.
As Russian-American relations appear to show signs of improvement, the divide between Moscow and Europe continues to widen. Putin has accused European nations of undermining Russia's relations with the US and obstructing the peace process. Just before his meeting with US negotiators, he expressed a desire for peaceful relations with Europe, albeit while also signaling readiness for conflict.
In response to Putin's remarks, UK government officials dismissed his statements as more of the same rhetoric from a leader not genuinely committed to peace. Meanwhile, NATO foreign ministers convened in Brussels, where Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of positioning Ukraine to sustain its defense efforts.
In parallel developments, EU member states have reached an agreement to achieve full independence from Russian gas by the end of 2027. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission chief, heralded this as a new era, announcing that long-term gas pipeline contracts with Russia would be banned starting September 2027, and contracts for liquefied natural gas would face similar restrictions from January 2027. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen reaffirmed the commitment to energy security and independence for Europe, asserting that there would be no more manipulation by Putin.
Additionally, the European Commission is putting forth a proposal to raise €90 billion to support Ukraine's military and basic services while the conflict continues. This funding plan hinges on securing agreement from Belgium to utilize frozen Russian assets or through international borrowing. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has expressed support for this proposal, which would address two-thirds of Ukraine's financing needs over the next two years. However, Belgium has voiced concerns over potential legal implications, and the European Central Bank has opposed the idea of acting as a financial backstop for these loans, complicating the funding strategy.