A breakthrough remains elusive after a high-stakes round of Ukraine-focused talks between Moscow and Washington, signaling that negotiations between Russia and the United States did not produce the anticipated progress toward a peace agreement. After five hours of discussions, a Kremlin spokesperson described the meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and the Trump administration’s top negotiator as constructive overall, yet conveyed that several core elements of the proposed plan still fail to satisfy Russia.
The talks in Moscow brought together Steve Biegun? (Note: The original mentions Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner; please confirm correct names if needed) as the United States’ lead envoy and senior adviser Jared Kushner, following weeks of intensive diplomacy aimed at halting the war. The U.S. delegation has not issued a public statement since departing the Russian capital.
Earlier in the day, Putin asserted that changes proposed by Kyiv and European partners to a U.S.-backed draft peace plan were unacceptable, remarking that if Europe intends to push toward war, Russia is prepared at once. Kyiv and its allies have urged Washington to modify the draft, which the White House has been pushing to finalize quickly, while Moscow has signaled it could welcome improvements. That plan—widely perceived as favorable to Russia after a November leak—has undergone multiple revisions over recent weeks.
Putin’s top aide, Yuri Ushakov, indicated that Moscow agreed with some points but criticized others, and emphasized that a compromise version had yet to be produced. He cautioned that substantial work remains ahead. The remaining disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv touch on Ukraine’s willingness to cede territory it still controls and the security guarantees to be provided by Europe.
There remains a sharp divide between Moscow and Kyiv’s European supporters over what a final settlement should look like. In the lead-up to the talks, Putin attacked European leaders who have backed Kyiv’s defense since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, accusing them of believing Russia could be strategically defeated. He warned that Europe’s leaders may be mistaken in thinking they can force a war on Russia and insisted Russia would respond if Europe chooses to escalate, while also clarifying that Russia does not seek war with Europe but is ready if Europe opens one.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said he expected the Kremlin talks to be summarized for him by the American team, though it remained unclear whether the envoy and Kushner would travel to Kyiv or other European capitals for further face-to-face negotiations. Ahead of the Moscow talks, Zelensky told reporters that the moment presents a unique opportunity to end the war, while acknowledging that some aspects of the proposals still require work. He stressed that there are no simple solutions and reaffirmed Kyiv’s insistence on participating in peace discussions and on obtaining robust security guarantees, including the possibility of NATO membership—a prospect opposed by Russia and previously ruled out by Trump.
Zelensky stated that any end to the conflict must ensure that Russia cannot re-emerge in approximately a year, underscoring the importance of a sustainable peace.
In the weeks leading up to these talks, Ukrainian representatives have held two rounds of high-level discussions on the draft plan, with participation from Witkoff, Kushner, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The White House reported that the proposals had been significantly refined as a result of the negotiations, though it did not reveal specific details about the updated plan. Putin—who still believes Russia holds the initiative on the battlefield—appeared steadfast in his demands, just as Zelensky has repeatedly asserted that Kyiv will not concede control of eastern Ukrainian regions.
Amid the diplomatic engagements, President Trump described the conflict as a messy, difficult resolution in remarks to his cabinet in Washington. European allies of Kyiv had countered the U.S.-backed 28-point plan by circulating their own document, which removed several of the most contentious elements, including Washington’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as de facto Russian territories.
Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, with several European leaders joining the discussion remotely. Macron cautioned that there is no final plan to discuss, saying any progress requires input from Ukraine and Europe.
Fighting persisted on the front lines on Tuesday. Ukraine’s military reported ongoing clashes with Russian forces in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, challenging Moscow’s claim to have captured it. Russia’s defense ministry released footage claiming flag-planting in the city, while Kyiv’s eastern command rejected this, saying Russian forces had suffered heavy losses and had not fully taken control. Ukraine also disputed Moscow’s claims to have seized the northeastern border town of Vovchansk and noted improved positions in Kupiansk, countering Russia’s assertions.
Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed or injured, and more than 14,000 civilians have died or been displaced, according to the United Nations. Civilian infrastructure including kindergartens, hospitals, and homes has suffered extensive damage from nightly drone and missile strikes.
The conflict traces back to 2014, when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was overthrown, prompting Russia to annex Crimea and support armed uprisings in eastern Ukraine. The current tensions reflect the enduring and deeply rooted geopolitical struggle between Moscow and Kyiv’s Western allies.
