Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a long and late night meeting in Moscow with Steve Witkoff, a United States real estate businessman and envoy of President Donald Trump, along with Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner. The five hour discussion focused on possible peace options to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, but officials from both sides said no agreement was reached.
The Kremlin described the conversation as active and detailed. Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said some parts of the draft peace proposals from the United States were seen as reasonable by Moscow, while other parts were completely unacceptable. He added that both sides agreed that further work and more meetings would be needed before any compromise can be reached.
The United States delegation arrived in Moscow after earlier meetings in Ukraine and several European capitals. The visit raised global attention because it marked one of the most high level unofficial diplomatic efforts since fighting intensified earlier this year.
Ukraine has expressed concern about any peace plan that may force the country to give up territory currently controlled by Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly said that Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains a non negotiable condition for peace.
European allies have also reacted carefully to the talks. Some governments worry that a peace deal shaped too closely to Russia’s demands could set a dangerous precedent and weaken international law.
Meanwhile, Russia’s military announced advances in parts of eastern Ukraine shortly before the meeting. Russian officials claimed control of towns including Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, which may increase Moscow’s leverage in future talks.
So far, there is no confirmed plan for a direct meeting between Putin and President Trump, although Kremlin officials said the idea has not been ruled out.
Diplomats and analysts believe the talks are an important step, even without a breakthrough. The meeting signals that both Washington and Moscow may be exploring options to shift the conflict from the battlefield to negotiations. However, the gap between the two sides remains wide, especially on the issue of territory.
Further discussions are expected in the coming weeks, but a final peace agreement appears distant for now.