Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that recent talks with American envoys about ending the war in Ukraine were serious but remained difficult, with no final agreement in sight. The discussions included US representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who met Putin in Moscow earlier this week as part of ongoing efforts to explore a possible peace deal.
Putin said the meeting lasted several hours and covered all major topics in the proposed peace plan. He explained that there were elements Russia could consider but also points he described as unacceptable. He did not share specific details, saying it was too early and the talks were still sensitive.
The United States has been trying to bring Ukraine and Russia closer to negotiations after nearly three years of conflict. A follow up meeting is expected soon, with Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov planned to join discussions in Miami.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues. Russia has carried out new missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has responded with its own attacks on Russian controlled areas. The continued violence has raised concerns about how realistic a ceasefire could be at this stage.
European leaders have reacted with caution. Some accused Moscow of using negotiations to gain time while continuing military operations. They said any agreement must include clear security guarantees and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In a separate statement this week, Putin said Russia intends to take full control of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas either through negotiation or by force. The declaration has added uncertainty to the already fragile talks.
For now, the push for peace remains ongoing but uncertain. Diplomats from the United States, Ukraine and Russia are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks in the hope of finding common ground after months of stalled communication and rising battlefield losses.