Russia Asserts ‘No Compromise’ on Territory after Ukraine-US Talks

Current diplomatic efforts between the United States and Russia regarding Ukraine have not yielded any agreement on territorial control. Following discussions in Moscow, a senior Russian official stated that “no compromise” was reached on this critical issue.

Details of the Talks

The discussions took place between prominent US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These talks lasted nearly five hours and concluded just past midnight.

Kremlin’s Response

• Yury Ushakov, a key Kremlin aide, indicated that while the meeting was constructive, there are significant challenges ahead.
• Ushakov mentioned that some American proposals might be considered, but emphasized the need for more negotiations.

The US delegation aimed to discuss a revised peace plan. This plan came after a previous 28-point draft faced serious criticism from Ukraine and its allies for appearing to favor Russian interests. The Kremlin denounced Ukraine and Europe’s counter-proposals, deeming them “unacceptable”.

Putin’s Stance on the Conflict

Before the meeting, President Putin made aggressive statements at an investment forum. He accused Ukraine’s European allies of prolonging the war and stated that Russia was prepared to escalate its military actions, particularly against Ukrainian ports and shipping vessels.

International Reactions

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha asserted that Putin’s remarks confirmed that he is unwilling to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns about potential waning support from the US and emphasized the need for a “dignified peace”.

Challenges in Negotiations

Former President Donald Trump acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, describing the situation as a “mess” and recognizing the high casualty toll the conflict imposes.

Future Diplomatic Meetings

Witkoff and Kushner may engage with a Ukrainian delegation shortly, potentially in Brussels. The developments follow Russia’s assertion of having captured Pokrovsk, a strategically important city in the Donbas region, although Kyiv has denied this claim.

As it stands, Russia controls more than 19% of Ukraine, reflecting a slight increase over the past year. Reports indicate that Russian military advancements have accelerated in 2025, raising concerns about the ongoing war’s trajectory.