Russian President Vladimir Putin held what a Kremlin aide described as "highly useful" talks with two U.S. envoys Saturday, seeking a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine. However, the aide, Yuri Ushakov, indicated no breakthrough had occurred, and the Kremlin maintained its position that Russia is making "real progress" on the battlefield and is confident of achieving its goals.
The U.S. envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were visiting Moscow for the first time since January on behalf of former President Donald Trump, "outlined a number of ideas regarding possible avenues for a settlement," Ushakov stated, without specifying the proposals. Putin reportedly told the envoys that addressing "all the root causes of the conflict" was necessary.
These statements echo Moscow's long-standing assertions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range air strikes in recent weeks, while front lines have remained largely static.
A White House official described the talks as "substantive" and indicated that next steps would be announced in the coming weeks. Witkoff and Kushner offered no immediate comment after the meeting, which lasted over three hours. They were scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday.
Ushakov also noted that economic issues and potential "major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects" were discussed in detail, calling the negotiations "timely and highly useful for both sides." Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, who was present at the meeting, called it an "important peacemaking visit."
Putin specifically praised Trump's efforts to end the war. "Understanding that he is entering a difficult situation, he nevertheless does not stop his efforts to help bring about a settlement and to make his contribution to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict," Putin said in televised remarks at the beginning of the talks. Trump had previously suggested on Friday that the U.S. had a fresh proposal to end the war.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had earlier stated that Putin had ordered the Russian military not to strike Kyiv for three days due to the U.S. envoys' trip, and Putin promised to ensure their safety.
Standoff Continues
Despite the diplomatic engagement, a significant gulf remains between Russian and Ukrainian positions. Russia has continued its offensive, with Putin reportedly intent on capturing more territory, specifically aiming to secure the remaining part of the Donetsk region by the end of the year, according to a person close to the Kremlin. This objective is viewed as remote by Western military analysts given the slow pace of Moscow's advance.
Ukraine, which has defended its territory at great cost, rejects any terms that involve surrendering land, viewing such propositions as tantamount to surrender. The Kremlin has reiterated its unshakeable stance, set out two years ago, that Ukraine must cede the entire territory of four regions claimed by Russia and abandon its NATO aspirations.
In the preceding ten days, Russia had conducted extensive missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Conversely, Ukraine had carried out damaging strikes on Russian oil refineries, terminals, and warehouses throughout the summer, aiming to increase the cost of the war for Moscow. Zelensky indicated that Kyiv was prepared to refrain from strikes on Moscow through Monday.
