Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin held lengthy late night talks at the Kremlin with senior United States envoys as international efforts to find a political solution to the Ukraine war entered a sensitive and decisive stage.
The meeting, which stretched for nearly four hours, was attended by US special envoy Steve Witkoff along with other senior American representatives. The discussions took place behind closed doors and continued well past midnight, highlighting the urgency both sides attach to the negotiations.
The Kremlin described the talks as frank and substantive, saying a wide range of issues were discussed, including security arrangements, the future of disputed territories and possible steps toward reducing military tensions. Russian officials said Putin clearly outlined Moscow’s position that territorial questions must be resolved before any lasting peace agreement can be reached.
According to people familiar with the talks, Russia is insisting that Ukraine formally recognise Russian control over certain eastern regions. Kyiv has firmly rejected this demand, arguing that giving up territory would reward aggression and threaten its long term independence.
Following the Moscow talks, Russia confirmed its readiness to join direct three way discussions with the United States and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. This would mark the first trilateral meeting involving all sides since the war began, breaking years of indirect and often stalled diplomacy.
US officials said the talks have made noticeable progress in recent weeks and that negotiations are now focused on a limited number of core disagreements. Washington has been urging both sides to consider interim measures, including confidence building steps, limited ceasefire arrangements and security guarantees aimed at preventing further escalation.
Ukrainian leaders reacted cautiously to the developments. While welcoming the prospect of direct talks, they stressed that any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders and include strong guarantees from global partners. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said peace cannot be built on territorial concessions imposed under military pressure.
The diplomatic push comes amid continued fighting along several fronts and intensified attacks during the winter months. Analysts say the ongoing conflict is adding pressure on all sides to explore political solutions, even as battlefield realities remain complex.
International observers say the late night Kremlin meeting reflects growing global concern about the long term costs of the war and a renewed effort to test whether dialogue can succeed where previous initiatives failed. While expectations remain cautious, the agreement to hold trilateral talks is seen as a rare opening that could shape the next phase of the conflict.
Whether these efforts lead to a breakthrough or another stalemate will depend largely on how the deeply divisive issue of territory is addressed in the days ahead.