Washington: United States officials say recent discussions with Ukraine and European partners on ending the war with Russia were productive, but they also acknowledge that deep disagreements continue to block any immediate breakthrough.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said several days of meetings helped bring the positions of Washington Kyiv and European allies closer. The talks focused on a US drafted peace framework that includes security guarantees for Ukraine and long term plans to support the country’s recovery once fighting stops. However officials stressed that these were consultations among allies and not direct peace negotiations with Russia.
According to people familiar with the discussions Ukraine made it clear that it cannot accept the loss of its territory, while Russia continues to insist on keeping areas it currently controls. This remains the biggest obstacle to any peace settlement.
Moscow responded cautiously to the developments. The Kremlin said recent changes suggested by Ukraine and European countries to the US proposals do not improve the chances for peace. Russian officials repeated that their core demands have not changed and signalled that any agreement would have to reflect what they call realities on the ground.
Despite the tough positions US officials described separate contacts with Russian representatives as useful for keeping communication open. They said the aim at this stage is to test whether there is any space for future negotiations and to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
European leaders have also stepped up diplomatic engagement. Britain and other allies have underlined the need for a just and lasting peace while continuing political and military support for Ukraine.
On the ground the war continues with reports of ongoing fighting and humanitarian concerns, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts. Still diplomats caution that progress will be slow.
For now the talks are seen as a step toward better coordination among allies rather than a sign that the nearly four year war between Russia and Ukraine is close to ending.