Negotiations between the US and Russian delegations took place in Moscow on Tuesday evening, discussing potential paths to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, the five-hour meeting yielded no tangible results, as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains firm in his demands – demands Ukraine is unwilling to accept.
Guests are told to wait
The talks in the Kremlin were scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM local time, but Putin delayed the discussion for several hours, a common practice. While awaiting the Russian leader, Putin’s representative Kirill Dmitriev accompanied Jared Kushner and steve Witkoff on a walk through central Moscow and a visit to an expensive restaurant. Prior to the Kremlin meeting, Putin addressed an investment forum, subtly threatening Europe with war. “If Europe suddenly wants to go to war with us, we are ready,” he stated.Putin also accused Europe of attempting to obstruct the Washington-lead peace plan by “making demands that are absolutely unacceptable to Russia.” This likely refers to the opposition from Ukraine and European countries to the initial 28-point plan proposed by the Trump management, a plan whose creation and Russia’s involvement have drawn notable attention. Ukraine later secured more favorable terms during negotiations in geneva and Florida,though the details of this revised plan remain undisclosed.
Some points are acceptable
This marks Trump’s envoy Witkoff’s sixth visit to Moscow this year to meet with Putin. Witkoff recently faced scrutiny after Bloomberg released transcripts of his conversations, revealing he advised Russian representatives on how to communicate with the US president. However, the scandal has not impacted his position.
The Kremlin talks extended past midnight, with the US delegation departing immediately afterward without commenting to reporters.
Observers conclude that Putin has rejected the peace plan promoted by Washington, which US representatives have previously discussed with Ukrainian officials.
the kremlin disputes this assessment.Press Secretary Dmitry peskov stated on Wednesday that it is “not correct” to say putin rejected the US peace plan. “Something was acceptable, something was marked as unacceptable,” he said, declining to provide further details, asserting that discretion aids progress. Putin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuriy Ushakov – also present at the negotiations – described them as “useful and constructive,” adding that Russia received four additional proposals alongside the original US peace plan.”So far, no compromise option has been found, but some proposals made by the Americans look more or less acceptable,” Ushakov said, while others “do not suit us.” He revealed that “territorial problems” were a central focus, stating Russia sees no resolution to the crisis without addressing them. Both countries agreed to maintain confidentiality regarding the negotiations. Observers note Putin has yet to demonstrate a willingness to compromise, with key sticking points including Ukraine relinquishing its NATO aspirations and ceding territories in Donbass not currently occupied by Russia. Ushakov emphasized the territorial issue as crucial to reaching a conclusion.
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