US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that a high-level American delegation held a productive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, discussing Washington's proposals to end the conflict in Ukraine. Trump indicated the talks left the impression that the Russian leader is interested in finding a way to stop the fighting.
Oval Office Remarks on Moscow Meeting
The comments from the US President came a day after his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, engaged in an extensive five-hour discussion with President Putin at the Kremlin. The meeting focused on reviewing a set of US proposals previously handed over to Russian officials.
"Putin had a very good meeting yesterday with Jared Kushner and with Steve Witkoff," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "What comes out of that meeting, I can't tell you because it does take two to tango. He (Putin) would like to end the war, that was their impression."
Kremlin's Cautious Response and Unresolved Issues
However, the Kremlin provided a more measured account of the discussions. Senior aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the lengthy meeting took place but clarified that no concrete compromises were agreed upon, and plans for a new summit between Putin and Trump were not finalized.
Ushakov explained that both sides examined potential pathways to a settlement, but several key disagreements remain. "We could agree on some things, and the president confirmed this to his interlocutors," Ushakov noted. "Other things provoked criticism, and the president also made no secret of our critical and even negative attitude toward a number of proposals. But the main thing is that a very useful discussion took place."
He emphasized the confidential nature of the talks, stating the substance would not be disclosed, and acknowledged that while diplomatic engagement continues, meaningful progress has yet to be achieved. Ushakov added that Putin asked Witkoff to convey important political signals directly to President Trump.
Details of the US Peace Plan and Diplomatic Push
The US peace proposal, a 28-point document unveiled last month, initially faced criticism from Ukraine and several European allies who felt it was too favorable to Moscow. American officials later stated that certain provisions were revised after receiving feedback from Kyiv and European partners.
President Trump has intensified his diplomatic efforts in recent weeks, believing that Ukraine's military challenges and the rising costs for Russia could create an opening for negotiations. According to reports, the past few weeks have seen more diplomatic activity on this front than in the previous three years.
Negotiations are reportedly advancing on four parallel tracks:
- Ukrainian sovereignty, including potential limits on its peacetime army and missile ranges.
- Territorial questions.
- Future economic cooperation.
- Broader European security issues.
Tuesday's meeting was the sixth and longest session between envoy Steve Witkoff and President Putin in Russia this year. It marked the first time Jared Kushner participated. Kushner, who played a key role in negotiating the Gaza ceasefire in October and the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term, brought his diplomatic experience to the high-stakes talks.
