Russia-US Talks on Ukraine Peace End Without Breakthrough

In a high-stakes diplomatic effort, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US negotiators in Moscow for over five hours on Tuesday, aiming to push forward a peace plan for Ukraine. Despite an intense session attended by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, the meeting concluded without a breakthrough.

A Kremlin spokesperson described the talks as “constructive,” but stressed that key elements of the plan remain unacceptable to Russia. Earlier, Putin had warned that any attempts by Europe to escalate the conflict could trigger immediate Russian action.

Kyiv and its European allies have been pressing the US to adjust a draft peace deal, originally perceived as favorable to Russia after a November leak. The latest revisions, aimed at addressing Ukraine’s territorial and security concerns, have yet to win full Russian approval.

Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, confirmed that while Moscow agreed on some points, major disagreements persist. Among them is Ukraine’s insistence on retaining control over eastern territories and the demand for robust European security guarantees, including NATO membership—a non-starter for Russia.

Meanwhile, fighting continues on the ground. Ukrainian forces reported ongoing clashes in Pokrovsk, contradicting Russian claims of capture. Similar disputes arose over Vovchansk and Kupyans, highlighting the disconnect between battlefield realities and official narratives.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgency of the moment, stating that ending the war “now more than ever” requires careful negotiation. Ukrainian officials have been involved in multiple rounds of talks with US representatives, while European leaders continue to shape their own counter-proposals.

As diplomatic efforts stall, the war’s human toll remains severe. Since the 2022 invasion, tens of thousands of soldiers and over 14,000 civilians have been killed or injured. Civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, continues to suffer from nightly attacks.

The talks underline the complexity of the conflict: territorial disputes, security guarantees, and international expectations remain deeply contentious. While both sides signal a willingness to negotiate, the path to a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain.