The haunting shadow of an endless conflict deepens as Kremlin discussions with US officials fail to ignite a spark of progress toward peace in Ukraine—yet, could this very stalemate be the catalyst for a long-awaited resolution?
35 minutes ago
By Maia Davies and Laura Gozzi
After five intense hours of negotiations in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and key figures from US President Donald Trump's team, it seems the path to a Ukraine ceasefire remains stubbornly obstructed. A spokesperson for the Kremlin described the meeting as 'constructive,' but emphasized that certain aspects of the proposed agreement were still firmly rejected by Russia.
Attending on behalf of the US were Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, following a period of frenetic diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the war to a close. The American delegation has remained silent since departing Moscow.
Earlier that same Tuesday, Putin voiced strong objections to modifications suggested by Ukraine and European nations to a US-supported peace framework, declaring that if Europe 'wants to go to war and initiates it, we are prepared immediately.'
Ukraine, along with its international partners, has been actively pushing the US to revise its draft peace proposal, which the White House has been eager to finalize quickly. Notably, the Kremlin had previously shown some willingness to consider this plan.
This framework, initially viewed by many as leaning heavily in Russia's favor after it was leaked to the media in November (you can check out the full details here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cde6yld78d6o), has seen multiple adjustments in the past few weeks.
When questioned about the proposal following the Moscow session, Putin's top aide, Yuri Ushakov, noted that the Kremlin 'agreed with some points… but criticized others.' He went on to say, 'We haven't reached a mutually agreeable version yet… There's still a great deal of work to do.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Core disputes persist between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly around Ukraine's potential surrender of territories it still holds and the nature of security assurances from European allies. These points are hotly debated, with Russia's stance often seen as uncompromising, while Ukraine insists on guarantees that could prevent future aggression.
Moreover, Moscow and Ukraine's European supporters are worlds apart in their visions for what a final peace accord should entail.
In the lead-up to the talks, Putin sharply criticized European leaders who have backed Ukraine's defense since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. He accused them of harboring a false belief that they could deliver a decisive blow to Russia, stating that his nation 'wasn't intending to wage war against Europe—but if Europe decides to start one, we're ready right now.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky anticipated a debriefing from the US team after the Moscow discussions, though it's uncertain whether Witkoff and Kushner would head to Kyiv or other European hubs for face-to-face follow-ups.
Before the Kremlin meetings unfolded, Zelensky remarked during a Tuesday press conference in Ireland that 'now more than ever, there's a chance to conclude the war,' yet he stressed that some elements of the proposals require further refinement. 'It all hinges on today's conversations,' he added.
Zelensky reiterated that there are 'no straightforward answers,' underscoring Ukraine's demands to be directly involved in any talks and to secure robust security pledges, such as NATO membership—a step fiercely opposed by Russia and dismissed by Trump.
'We must end this war in a way that ensures Russia won't return in a year's time,' Zelensky cautioned, highlighting the importance of lasting stability.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian officials have participated in two high-level sessions on the draft plan, with Witkoff, Kushner, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance. The White House reported that the ideas had been 'significantly polished' as a result, though specifics of the revised blueprint remain undisclosed.
Putin, who maintains that Russia holds the upper hand on the battlefield, appeared inflexible on his demands just last week. Meanwhile, Zelensky has consistently vowed never to abandon control of eastern Ukrainian territories like Donetsk and Luhansk—regions that Russia annexed in 2014, sparking armed rebellions that escalated into the current full-scale war.
As the Tuesday talks unfolded, Trump addressed his cabinet in Washington, admitting the conflict was 'a mess' and far from simple to untangle.
Ukraine's European partners responded to the US-backed 28-point proposal with their own version, stripping out the most divisive components, including Washington's potential de facto acknowledgment of Donetsk and Luhansk as Russian territories. (For context, these are self-proclaimed separatist republics in eastern Ukraine, backed by Moscow since the 2014 crisis.)
On Monday, Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron, with other European leaders joining virtually. Macron observed that 'there's no finalized plan yet,' stressing that any agreement must incorporate input from Ukraine and Europe alike.
Meanwhile, hostilities raged on the front lines throughout Tuesday. Ukraine's armed forces reported ongoing clashes with Russian troops in the crucial eastern city of Pokrovsk, directly challenging Moscow's assertion of having seized it.
Russia's Ministry of Defence posted a video on Telegram purporting to depict its soldiers waving flags in the strategically vital city, which they've been attempting to capture for over a year.
Ukraine's eastern military command accused Russia of staging a 'flag-planting' stunt to fuel propaganda claims of victory. 'They retreated hastily, and our cleanup of enemy forces is ongoing,' the command stated on social media.
Kyiv's military affirmed it retained control of Pokrovsk's northern sector, with Russian troops incurring heavy casualties. Independent observers also contested Moscow's claims in the area.
Additionally, Ukraine's forces dismissed Russia's declarations of conquering the northeastern border town of Vovchansk and claimed they had 'markedly strengthened' their hold in the northeastern city of Kupyansk, which Russia had boasted of taking control of just two weeks prior.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the toll has been staggering: tens of thousands of soldiers killed or wounded, plus over 14,000 civilians, per UN estimates. Civilian infrastructure, from kindergartens and hospitals to homes, has been ravaged by relentless drone and missile barrages.
This clash between the two former Soviet republics traces back to 2014, when Ukraine's pro-Russian president was ousted, prompting Russia to annex Crimea and fuel insurgencies in eastern Ukraine.
And this is the part most people miss: While diplomacy drags on, the human cost mounts daily. Could Russia's 'readiness' for war with Europe be a bluff, or a genuine threat? What do you think—should Ukraine compromise on territories for peace, or stand firm? Is Trump's involvement a game-changer, or just more chaos? Drop your opinions in the comments and let's discuss!
