Critical Talks in Moscow: US and Russia Seek Peace Amid Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin hosted US negotiators at the Kremlin on Tuesday for five hours of talks aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, with a Russian official describing the discussions as productive. The closed-door negotiations included US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Details of the talks have not yet been disclosed, but they followed Putin's recent statements rejecting European demands surrounding a US-Russia draft peace proposal, asserting that Russia is prepared to continue its fight should Europe choose to antagonize it. The US envoys' visit to Moscow came after they met with Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, who expressed optimism about the possibility to end the war now more than ever, though he noted that several elements of the proposed plans still required adjustment. "Everything depends on today’s discussions," Zelensky mentioned in a press conference in Dublin during an official visit to Ireland. Ukraine's representatives have had multiple rounds of discussions with US negotiators, including Witkoff, Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following the circulation of a controversial 28-point peace plan in November, which was perceived to favor Moscow—a perceived affront in Ukraine and across Europe, who have opposed Russia's invasion which began nearly four years ago. Despite past disappointments, Zelensky emphasized the necessity for Ukraine's participation in peace discussions, and insisted on clear security guarantees, including a potential NATO membership, which has long been resisted by Russia and ruled out by Trump. "We have to stop the war in such a manner that in one year Russia wouldn’t come back," Zelensky added, highlighting the importance of durable solutions. While Putin appeared resistant to the demands last week, Zelensky has continually affirmed Ukraine's stance against relinquishing control of eastern regions under partial Russian control. At the same time, Trump remarked on the complexity of resolving the conflict, stating, "What a mess," as discussions unfolded in Moscow. Ukrainian allies in Europe countered the controversial 28-point plan with their own document, aiming to eliminate the most contentious aspects, notably Washington’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as de facto Russian territories. Just prior to the talks in Moscow, Putin criticized Europe’s demands as unacceptable, maintaining that they hinder peace efforts. Following the meetings, Russian foreign policy adviser Kirill Dmitriev, present at the negotiations, referred to the talks as productive. Zelensky had met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, with several European leaders participating virtually. Macron indicated that no finalized plan had been agreed upon, emphasizing that progress would require input from both Ukraine and Europe. As diplomatic efforts moved forward, fighting persisted on the ground. Ukraine's military reported continued engagement with Russian forces in the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk, countering Moscow's claims of capturing the area. The Russian Ministry of Defence had released a video purportedly showing troops raising flags in Pokrovsk, a city they have sought to control for over a year. However, Ukraine dismissed these claims, indicating that Russian troops had fled and that Ukrainian forces maintained control over the northern part of the city, inflicting heavy losses on Russian units. Additionally, Ukraine's military contested Russian assertions regarding other areas, such as the northeastern town of Vovchansk and Kupyans, reinforcing a narrative of improved positions despite claims of Russian victories. Since Russia's invasion on February 24, 2022, significant casualties have occurred, with tens of thousands of soldiers killed or injured and over 14,000 civilians affected, according to the UN. Civilian infrastructure including kindergartens, hospitals, and residential buildings have suffered extensive damage from ongoing drone and missile assaults, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, rooted in tensions dating back to 2014 when Ukraine's pro-Russian president was ousted and subsequently faced Russian annexation of Crimea and armed uprisings in eastern Ukraine, continues to challenge diplomatic resolutions both domestically and internationally. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2