Russia has indicated that major obstacles remain in reaching a peace deal for the war in Ukraine, even after five hours of talks between President Vladimir Putin and senior US negotiators in Moscow. The Kremlin called the discussion “constructive”, but confirmed that key parts of the US-backed plan are still unacceptable to Russia.
US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the American delegation. They have not commented since leaving Moscow, keeping Washington’s position unclear for now.
Why the Talks Stalled
According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Russia agreed with several parts of the proposal but strongly criticised others. No compromise has been drafted, and significant work is still required.
The main sticking points include:
- Ukraine’s refusal to cede territory it still controls
- Security guarantees demanded by Kyiv, including a pathway to NATO
- Europe’s role in the deal, which Moscow sees as overly aggressive
Putin’s Warning to Europe
Hours before the meeting, Putin repeated his claim that Europe is living under the “illusion” of defeating Russia. He warned that if European nations wanted war, Moscow was “ready right now”. This sharp rhetoric highlights how tense the situation remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Ukraine’s Position
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his government sees a real chance to end the war “now more than ever”, but only under conditions that prevent Russia from restarting the conflict later. Kyiv insists on being directly involved in peace discussions and wants firm long-term security guarantees.
Zelensky is expecting a briefing from the US team, though it is not yet clear whether Witkoff and Kushner will travel to Kyiv or other European capitals.
What Happens Next?
Two previous negotiation rounds included both US envoy delegations and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Washington says the plan has been “refined”, but the latest draft remains undisclosed.
For now, both sides remain far apart. Russia believes it has momentum on the battlefield, while Ukraine refuses to give up eastern regions. With Trump calling the conflict “a mess”, diplomatic progress appears slow and uncertain.