Kremlin Indicates No Progress in Ukraine Negotiations Following Putin’s Discussion with US Delegation

Following an extensive five-hour dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior negotiators from the United States, a significant advancement towards a peace agreement concerning Ukraine remains elusive.

A spokesperson for the Kremlin described the discussions held in Moscow as “constructive”; however, he noted that certain aspects of the proposed plan were deemed unacceptable by Russia.

Participating in the talks were Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had been involved in weeks of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Since departing Moscow, the US delegation has refrained from making any public statements.

Putin’s Stance on Proposed Changes

Earlier on Tuesday, President Putin expressed that modifications suggested by Kyiv and European leaders to a US-supported draft peace initiative were not acceptable, asserting that if Europe seeks conflict, Russia is prepared to respond immediately.

Ukraine and its allies have been advocating for alterations to the US draft peace agreement, which the White House hopes to finalize swiftly, while the Kremlin has previously shown some willingness to consider it.

This plan, which was largely perceived as advantageous to Russia following its leak in November, has undergone multiple revisions in recent weeks.

Disagreements Persist

After the Moscow discussions, Putin’s key advisor, Yuri Ushakov, remarked that the Kremlin found agreement on certain elements but had criticisms regarding others. He emphasized, “We have not yet developed a compromise version… A significant amount of work still lies ahead.”

Fundamental disagreements continue between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly regarding Ukraine’s potential territorial concessions and the security assurances promised by European nations.

Moreover, there remains a stark contrast in expectations between Moscow and Ukraine’s European partners concerning the envisioned terms of a peace resolution.

Putin’s Remarks on European Leaders

In remarks made prior to the negotiations, Putin criticized European leaders who have supported Ukraine’s military efforts since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. He accused them of operating under the false belief that they could deliver a strategic defeat to Russia.

He stated, “We were not gearing up for a war with Europe — but if Europe chooses to initiate one, we are ready at this moment.”

Ukraine’s Expectations and Ongoing Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed anticipation for a briefing on the Kremlin discussions from the US team following the meeting, although it remained uncertain whether Witkoff and Kushner would travel to Kyiv or other European capitals for additional negotiations.

Before the Kremlin talks, Zelensky remarked that there was a greater chance to conclude the war now than ever, yet he acknowledged that certain aspects of the proposals still required refinement.

He emphasized, “Everything hinges on today’s discussions,” during a press conference while on an official visit to Ireland.

Security Guarantees and Ongoing Discussions

Zelensky reiterated that there were “no straightforward solutions,” stressing Ukraine’s position that it should be included in peace discussions and that clear security guarantees, such as potential NATO membership, must be established — a proposal that has long been opposed by Russia and dismissed by Trump.

He added, “We must end the conflict in a way that prevents Russia from returning in one year.”

Ukrainian representatives have engaged in two rounds of high-level talks concerning the draft plan in recent weeks, attended by Witkoff, Kushner, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Refinements and Military Developments

The White House indicated that the proposals had been “significantly refined” as a result of these discussions, although specifics about the revised plan have yet to be disclosed.

Putin, who is confident in Russia’s military position, appeared steadfast in his demands as recently as last week, while Zelensky has consistently asserted that he would not yield control of the eastern Ukrainian territories.

As the Moscow talks unfolded, Trump informed his cabinet in Washington that resolving the conflict has proven challenging, labeling it as “a mess.”

Progress and Ongoing Conflict

During a Fox News interview aired on Tuesday, Rubio stated that the US has “made some progress” in recent weeks, but he refrained from expressing certainty about the likelihood of reaching an agreement, noting that much depends on the decisions of the Russian president.

He elaborated: “The decisions must be made by Putin alone — not his advisers, only Putin. He has the power to bring this war to an end on the Russian side.”

In response to the US-backed 28-point plan, Kyiv’s European allies have proposed their own document, which removes many contentious elements, including the US’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as Russian territories.

On Monday, Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron, with several European leaders participating via virtual platforms.

Macron stated that there is “no finalized plan to discuss” and emphasized that achieving one would necessitate collaboration from Ukraine and Europe.

Continued Military Engagement

As discussions were ongoing, fighting persisted on the front lines on Tuesday. Ukraine’s military reported ongoing engagements with Russian forces in the critical eastern city of Pokrovsk, countering Moscow’s claims of having seized control.

The Russian Ministry of Defence released a video on Telegram that purportedly showed its troops displaying flags in the strategically vital city, which they have sought to capture for over a year.

Ukraine’s eastern military command stated that Russia attempted to “flag-plant” in Pokrovsk to enable “propagandists” to announce its capture. They declared, “They retreated hastily, and the cleanup of enemy units is ongoing,” in a statement on social media.

Furthermore, Ukraine’s military asserted that it still maintains control over the northern section of the city, inflicting substantial losses on Russian forces, while international observers have also disputed Russia’s claims regarding the area.

The military in Kyiv dismissed Russia’s assertions of having captured the northeastern town of Vovchansk and reported a “significant improvement” in its position in Kupyans, a city that Russia claimed to have taken two weeks prior.

Casualties and Humanitarian Impact

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine commenced on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of military personnel have been killed or injured, along with over 14,000 civilian casualties, according to United Nations data.

Numerous civilian targets, including kindergartens, hospitals, and residential buildings, have endured destruction or severe damage due to nightly drone and missile strikes.

The conflict between these two former Soviet states traces back to 2014, when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted, prompting Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for armed uprisings in eastern Ukraine.