High-level American diplomatic efforts to broker a peace deal for Ukraine have hit a significant roadblock in Moscow. After two days of intense negotiations, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff failed to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept the proposed terms, leaving the Trump administration's peace initiative without any visible breakthrough.
Moscow's Firm Stance: Territory Remains Non-Negotiable
The talks, which carried high stakes for the future of the conflict, concluded with the Kremlin dismissing key American proposals. Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov provided a detailed assessment, stating that while several ideas from the US side were "more or less acceptable," the core issue of territory proved to be an insurmountable hurdle. He explicitly stressed that territorial issues remain non-negotiable for Russia and confirmed that "no compromise has been found" during the discussions.
Zelensky's Demand and Washington's Silence
The lack of progress in Moscow directly contrasts with the stated position of Ukrainian leadership. President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently insisted that Kyiv must be fully included in any peace framework. His absence from these particular talks highlights the challenges in creating a consensus. Meanwhile, Washington has yet to comment publicly on the outcome of the negotiations, which were initially undertaken with hopes of a major diplomatic breakthrough.
A Prolonged and Difficult Path Ahead
The Kremlin's latest stance sends a clear signal that the path to peace will be neither quick nor easy. Analysts suggest that Moscow's unwavering position on territorial control, especially in the Donetsk region and other occupied areas, means negotiations are likely to remain difficult and prolonged. The White House, which had harboured initial optimism, now faces the reality of a diplomatic process that may extend far beyond initial expectations. This development underscores the deep complexities of the conflict and the limited immediate prospects for a resolution acceptable to all parties involved.
