A senior Russian official has said that negotiations with the United States have yet to produce any “compromise” over the fate of Ukrainian territory — the core issue in ending Moscow’s war. The comments followed high-level talks in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. representatives.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner met Putin for nearly five hours on Tuesday, continuing Washington’s push to bring an end to Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Kremlin adviser Yury Ushakov, who joined the discussions, said that while the meeting was “constructive and very useful,” the sides remain far apart.
“So far, no compromise has been reached, although certain U.S. proposals are open for discussion,” Ushakov said, cautioning that extensive efforts will still be required in both capitals.
The U.S. team traveled to Moscow as part of an evolving peace initiative that updates an earlier leaked plan criticized by Ukraine and Western partners for appearing too favorable to Russia. The Kremlin has also rejected the counter-proposal submitted by Kyiv and European governments, calling it unacceptable.
Ahead of the talks, Putin delivered a defiant speech at a business forum, accusing European nations supporting Kyiv of being “on the side of war” and vowing to step up attacks on Ukrainian maritime assets — including ships linked to Kyiv’s oil supply routes — after recent strikes on Russian-bound tankers near Türkiye.
Ukraine interpreted those remarks as further proof that Moscow has no intention of ending the conflict. “Putin threatens ports and navigation, proving he seeks to prolong the war,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said online.
Speaking in Ireland, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks a “just and dignified peace,” but acknowledged concern that Western support could weaken over time. He warned that Russia is deliberately trying to erode U.S. engagement in the conflict.
Trump, addressing reporters in Washington, admitted the diplomatic push faces major obstacles: “Not an easy situation. What a mess,” he said, citing the staggering number of casualties every month.
According to Ukrainian officials, Witkoff and Kushner may meet a Ukrainian delegation as early as Wednesday, potentially in Brussels, continuing the urgent diplomatic activity.
Meanwhile, Russia has claimed control over Pokrovsk — a strategically important city in the Donbas — though Ukraine denies this, accusing Moscow of exaggerating gains to project momentum. Russian forces currently hold more than 19% of Ukraine, advancing at their fastest pace since early 2022.
The original leaked U.S. negotiation draft reportedly included Russian demands such as limiting the size of Ukraine’s military and acknowledging Russian control over Donbas, as well as occupied areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Kyiv has flatly refused such terms, with Zelenskyy insisting that defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders remains the country’s “greatest challenge” in talks.
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