Talks between Russia and the United States aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine were described as productive by Yuri Ushakov, a senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ushakov spoke to reporters on Wednesday following discussions that took place in the Kremlin with U.S. officials, including Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from the Trump administration, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. The negotiations, which began late on Tuesday, are part of a renewed effort to broker a peace deal as the conflict continues into its fourth year.
While both sides agreed to keep the details of the discussions confidential, the meeting’s timing is significant. It followed recent talks between U.S. officials and a Ukrainian delegation in Florida, which U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized as cautiously optimistic. The backdrop of these discussions is Trump’s peace plan, unveiled last month, which has raised concerns over its perceived bias towards Moscow. Key elements of the plan include demands that Ukraine cede control of the eastern Donbas region to Russia and abandon its aspiration to join NATO—conditions that Kyiv has firmly rejected.
Accusations and Diplomatic Maneuvering
Just before the U.S. delegation’s arrival, President Putin accused Ukraine’s European allies of undermining U.S.-led peace efforts. He claimed, “They don’t have a peace agenda; they’re on the side of the war,” attributing blame for stalled negotiations to the European nations. This rhetoric appears aimed at creating a rift between the Trump administration and European partners, while also attempting to shift responsibility for any lack of progress away from Moscow.
Putin reiterated that Russia does not intend to attack Europe, despite concerns expressed by several European nations. He added, “But if Europe suddenly wants to wage a war with us and starts it, we are ready right away.” This statement highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the negotiations, as European countries have invested billions to support Ukraine and deter further Russian aggression.
Amid these high-stakes discussions, the Trump administration’s plans rely heavily on European nations to provide the financial and security framework for a post-conflict Ukraine. Despite this, European leaders have not yet been consulted on the original proposal, leading to calls for their input in the peace process.
High-Stakes Negotiations and Regional Implications
The meeting in Moscow lasted nearly five hours and ended without immediate public statements from either party. Following the discussions, Witkoff was seen arriving at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, as the negotiations continue to unfold. Coinciding with these talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Ireland, meeting with local leaders to reinforce support for Ukraine’s efforts against the Russian invasion. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the future of Ukraine depends on swift communication from the U.S. envoys in Moscow.
Zelenskyy expressed hope for progress, indicating that the outcome of the U.S. discussions in Moscow would dictate the next steps. “There is a lot of dialogue, but we need results. Our people are dying every day,” he stated during a press conference in Dublin. He also expressed willingness to meet with President Trump depending on the outcomes of the ongoing negotiations.
As talks have progressed, both sides have acknowledged the necessity of bridging significant gaps, particularly regarding territorial disputes and future security guarantees for Ukraine. The path to peace remains fraught with challenges, as European leaders continue to seek a more active role in the negotiations.
Zelenskyy’s engagement in Europe underscores the importance of international support, particularly as Russia claims to have captured the city of Pokrovsk, a claim disputed by Ukrainian officials. The ongoing military clashes emphasize the dire situation on the ground, with Zelenskyy facing immense pressure to secure both military and diplomatic victories.
The coming days are expected to be critical for the negotiations, with European leaders eager to ensure their interests are represented and to facilitate a lasting resolution to the conflict.
