In a bid to address the ongoing war in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. negotiators at the Kremlin for five hours on Tuesday. The talks, described as “productive” by a Russian official, included U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, yet details of their discussions remain undisclosed.
This meeting is crucial as tensions escalate between the U.S., Europe, and Russia regarding the conflict that began nearly four years ago. The outcomes of these negotiations could have significant implications for geopolitical stability in Europe and the future of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Key Developments
- Putin criticized European demands concerning a proposed U.S.-Russia peace plan, stating that they were unacceptable.
- U.S. negotiators earlier met with Ukrainian officials, who are seeking security guarantees and territorial sovereignty.
- Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism about the possibility of ending the war, emphasizing the need for Kyiv’s involvement in peace talks.
- Amidst the negotiations, fighting continued in eastern Ukraine, with conflicting claims over control of key cities.
- The U.N. reports tens of thousands have been killed or injured since the invasion began in 2022, highlighting the humanitarian crisis deepening in the region.
Full Report
Diplomatic Efforts in Moscow
The discussions between U.S. and Russian representatives unfold against a backdrop of increased military activity. Putin’s remarks prior to the meeting conveyed a hardened stance, asserting that European conditions for peace were not viable. He added, “if Europe wants to fight with us, we are ready to do so.” This marks a significant indication of Russia’s unwillingness to compromise on key issues related to the conflict.
Reactions from Kyiv and Washington
Ukraine’s President Zelensky conveyed hope during a press briefing in Dublin, stating there was a unique chance to halt the conflict, although he insisted on Ukraine’s right to participate in all peace discussions. Emphasizing the importance of robust security guarantees, he reiterated Ukraine’s position against any proposals that would concede territory to Russia. “We have to stop the war in such a manner that in one year, Russia would not come back,” he affirmed.
Ongoing Combat and Claims of Territorial Control
Despite diplomatic overtures, military engagements persist. Ukrainian forces have reported active confrontations in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, countering Russian claims of control. Ukraine’s military declared that it still holds the northern segment of the city and suggested that Russian troops had suffered heavy losses, a narrative disputed by Moscow. Reports of intense fighting continue, with both sides asserting progress and control over critical territories.
Context & Previous Events
The conflict traces back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea following the ousting of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president. This led to ongoing hostilities, marked by illegal Russian support for separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, casualties have soared, and significant infrastructure has been devastated due to relentless military operations.
