Russian President Vladimir Putin held a long meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussion lasted for almost five hours. Officials later described the talks as “constructive.” However, the Kremlin confirmed that “no compromise” was reached on territory, which remains the biggest obstacle in the US peace plan for Ukraine.

Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, said the conversations were “useful.” At the same time, he made it clear that there is still a “lot of work” to be done. He explained that there is currently “no compromise version” of a peace plan for Ukraine. According to him, Russia finds some American ideas acceptable, but it rejects others.

US Proposals Reviewed but No Final Decisions

During the meeting, Putin carefully studied the peace proposals sent by the US. The Kremlin had already received four documents ahead of the talks.

Ushakov said the negotiators discussed the general content of these proposals. However, they did not talk about the exact wording of any points. They also failed to reach any firm agreements. In addition, there was no decision on arranging a new Putin–Trump summit.

“The discussion was very useful, constructive and very substantive and lasted for not five minutes but five hours,” Ushakov said.

On the issue of occupied Ukrainian territories, he insisted that Russia is not ready to give in. “So far we haven’t found a compromise, but some American solutions can be discussed. Some proposed formulations do not fit us, and work will continue,” he added.

Talks Come as Pressure Mounts on Ukraine

This meeting comes at a very important time for Ukraine. The past few days have seen intense diplomatic activity. Meanwhile, the US peace plan has already been revised after Kyiv and its European allies raised concerns.

Despite efforts to restart serious peace negotiations, there are still deep differences over land and security. These disagreements continue to slow down progress.

Putin Sends Strong Message Before Talks

Shortly before the meeting began, Putin made clear his tough position. He spoke about Pokrovsk, an important town in eastern Ukraine that Russian forces claim to have recently captured. He called it a “good foothold for solving all the tasks set at the beginning of the special military operation.”

This statement showed that Moscow still believes it is gaining ground and does not feel pressured to make major concessions.

Apart from Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces are facing increasing challenges in several regions.

Warning to Europe and Threat of More Attacks

Putin also accused European countries of trying to block a peace deal. He delivered a sharp warning, saying:
“We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now.”

In addition, he said Russia would increase strikes on Ukrainian ports and ships. This would be a response to attacks on Russia’s “shadow fleet” – older ships that Russia uses to move oil and avoid sanctions.

He also criticised Ukraine’s leaders. Speaking about a corruption scandal inside the Ukrainian government, he said:
“Ukraine’s leadership is currently preoccupied with matters other than the situation in the war zone. It’s as if they live on another planet."

No Quick End in Sight

Although the meeting was long and serious, it did not bring any major breakthrough. Both sides still hold firm positions. Territory remains the most difficult issue in the negotiations.

For now, discussions will continue. However, with strong statements from Moscow and pressure growing on the battlefield, a quick peace agreement does not appear likely anytime soon.