Bold claim: peace talks stalled as Russia and the U.S. push toward Ukraine settlement remains unsettled, with no clear breakthrough after a lengthy Moscow meeting.
A Kremlin spokesperson described the discussions between President Vladimir Putin and the Trump administration’s senior negotiator as “constructive,” yet Russia still found several elements of the proposed plan unacceptable. The U.S. side—led by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, alongside Jared Kushner—participated in five hours of talks, following weeks of intensive diplomacy aimed at ending the war. Since their departure from Moscow, there has been no public comment from the U.S. team.
Earlier on Tuesday, Putin criticized changes to a U.S.-backed draft peace framework proposed by Kyiv and European partners, stating that Europe’s modifications were not acceptable and warning that if Europe chooses to escalate toward war, Russia is prepared to respond immediately. Kyiv and its allies have been pressing Washington to revise the draft peace deal, which the White House has prioritized for quick agreement. Moscow had signaled openness to the plan in the past, though it remains far from a finalized compromise.
After the Moscow session, Putin’s top aide, Yuri Ushakov, indicated that while Russia agreed with some points, others drew criticism. He stressed that a compromise version had not been produced, and that substantial work still lies ahead. Key sticking points persist, including whether Ukraine should concede territory it currently controls and the scope of security guarantees from Europe.
There is also a broad divergence between Moscow and Kyiv’s European partners about what a peace accord should entail. In the run-up to the talks, Putin lashed out at European leaders who have supported Kyiv’s defense since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, suggesting that Europe harbors the illusion of overpowering Russia. He asserted that Russia did not intend to go to war with Europe, but warned that if Europe initiates conflict, Russia is prepared to respond.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had expected a briefing from the U.S. team after the Moscow talks, though it remained unclear whether Witkoff and Kushner would travel to Kyiv or other European capitals for further in-person negotiations. Before the talks began, Zelensky argued there was a unique opportunity to end the war now, but emphasized that some elements of the proposals still required refinement. He also reiterated Kyiv’s stance that peace negotiations must include Ukraine and demand clear security guarantees, such as NATO membership—a prospect opposed by Russia and previously ruled out by Trump.
Zelensky added that any resolution must prevent Russia from returning to war within a year. Over recent weeks, Ukrainian representatives have held two rounds of high-level discussions on the draft plan, with Witkoff, Kushner, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio participating. The White House noted that the proposals had been refined through these talks, though detailed updates have not been publicly shared.
Putin, who has perceived Russia as having the initiative on the battlefield, appeared steadfast on his demands as recently as the previous week. Zelensky, meanwhile, has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine will not relinquish control of its eastern regions. On Tuesday, Washington’s cabinet acknowledged the difficulty of resolving the conflict, describing it as a “mess.”
In parallel, Kyiv’s European allies countered the U.S.-backed 28-point plan with their own document, removing many contentious elements—such as Washington recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk as de facto Russian regions.
Zelensky recently met French President Emmanuel Macron, with additional European leaders joining virtually. Macron cautioned that there is no finalized plan to discuss and emphasized that any agreement must involve Ukraine and Europe.
Meanwhile, front-line fighting persisted. Ukraine’s military reported continued clashes with Russian forces in Pokrovsk, disputing Russia’s claim of capturing the city. The Russian Defense Ministry released a video purporting to show troops with flags in Pokrovsk, while Kyiv’s eastern command contended that Russian forces attempted to present an alleged victory for propaganda purposes and accused Moscow of fleeing in a disorderly retreat. Ukraine maintained control of the city’s northern portion, noting heavy Russian losses and skepticism from international observers about Moscow’s assertion. Kyiv likewise rejected Russia’s claims of seizing the border town of Vovchansk and noted gains in Kupyansk, a northeastern city Russia had claimed to have captured some two weeks earlier.
Since the invasion began on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed or wounded, and civilian casualties exceed 14,000, according to the United Nations. Civilian targets—schools, hospitals, and homes—have suffered damage from nightly drone and missile strikes. The conflict traces back to 2014, when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted, prompting Russia to annex Crimea and support separatist uprisings in eastern Ukraine.
What this means: peace remains elusive as both sides hold firm on core security guarantees and territorial questions. As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely for moves that could reshape the trajectory of the war, while daily fighting and civilian toll persist. Would you support a peace framework that prioritizes clear security guarantees and verifiable steps, even if it means compromise on certain territorial issues? Share your thoughts below.
