The latest round of peace negotiations between Russia and the United States concluded Tuesday without breakthrough on key issues related to ending the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov provided a candid assessment that five hours of discussions with Trump envoys left the resolution effort at the same distance from completion as before.
Vladimir Putin used the diplomatic occasion to level accusations at European governments, claiming they were sabotaging peace efforts and blocking American attempts to resolve the crisis. The Russian leader issued a stark warning that while Russia did not seek conflict with Europe, Moscow stood prepared for immediate war if European powers initiated hostilities. Putin’s aggressive rhetoric appeared calculated to exploit or create divisions between the Trump administration and its European allies.
The negotiations focused on an updated American peace proposal that had undergone revisions to incorporate Russian feedback and address Ukrainian concerns. Despite describing the talks as useful, Ushakov revealed that specific proposals were not examined in granular detail, with discussions focusing instead on underlying concepts. Putin reportedly found some elements acceptable while expressing critical and negative reactions to multiple provisions.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy maintained engagement throughout the diplomatic process, stating his readiness to receive updates from the US delegation and expressing willingness to meet with Trump directly. The Ukrainian leader has been actively consulting European capitals to build support for peace plan modifications, particularly regarding an earlier 28-point framework he found unacceptable. Zelenskyy has consistently rejected requirements to surrender currently controlled territory.
The persistent diplomatic impasse unfolds as military operations continue, with Putin emphasizing Russia’s battlefield momentum and claiming recent territorial gains. The Russian president has threatened intensified strikes on Ukrainian maritime infrastructure in response to attacks on Russian vessels, while Trump acknowledged the situation represented a complex challenge. Significant skepticism remains about whether Russia genuinely seeks diplomatic compromise.
