Putin Concludes High-Stakes Meeting with US Envoys on Ukraine War Resolution Plan
Russian President Vladimir Putin has concluded a significant meeting with US envoys in Moscow, focusing on a US-drafted plan to end the ongoing Ukraine war. The discussions, which lasted over three and a half hours, involved key diplomatic figures and set the stage for further international negotiations.
Details of the Moscow Meeting
The meeting took place on Thursday at the Kremlin, where Putin engaged with US envoy Steve Witkoff, who was accompanied by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The Kremlin described the talks as useful in every respect, highlighting their importance in the broader peace process. Putin was joined by his foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, and his envoy for international economic affairs, Kirill Dmitriev, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the discussions.
Although no immediate outcomes were announced, with the meeting ending well after midnight Moscow time, reports from US and Ukrainian officials indicate significant progress on a 20-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict. This war, now in its fourth year, has escalated into Europe's largest conflict since World War II, making these talks critical for regional stability.
Key Issues and Territorial Disputes
A major sticking point in the negotiations remains the territorial issue. Russia currently occupies approximately 20 percent of Ukraine and is pushing for full control of the eastern Donbas region as part of any peace deal. In contrast, Kyiv has warned that ceding ground could embolden Moscow and has stated it will not sign an agreement that fails to deter future Russian aggression.
Despite these challenges, Kyiv announced it had agreed on post-war security guarantees with Washington, a step forward in the diplomatic efforts. Witkoff noted that the two sides are down to one issue, though he did not specify details, adding to the suspense surrounding the negotiations.
Upcoming Security Talks in Abu Dhabi
Following the Moscow meeting, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov revealed that security talks are scheduled for Friday in Abu Dhabi. These discussions will involve Russian, US, and Ukrainian officials, with Russian Admiral Igor Kostyukov leading Moscow's team. Additionally, investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev will meet separately with Steve Witkoff to address economic issues, indicating a comprehensive approach to the peace process.
Ushakov emphasized that a durable peace is contingent on resolving territorial disputes, referencing last year's Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. He stated, Most importantly, during these talks between our president and the Americans, it was reiterated that without resolving the territorial issue according to the formula agreed upon in Anchorage, there is no hope of achieving a long-term settlement. This underscores the complexity of the negotiations and the high stakes involved.
Broader Context and Future Prospects
The high-stakes meeting occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism, stating that a draft deal was nearly, nearly ready and that he and Trump had agreed on post-war security guarantees. This alignment between US and Ukrainian leaders adds momentum to the peace efforts, though challenges remain.
As the world watches closely, the upcoming Abu Dhabi talks will be crucial in determining whether a breakthrough can be achieved. The involvement of multiple stakeholders and the focus on both security and economic aspects suggest a holistic strategy, but the unresolved territorial issues continue to cast a shadow over the prospects for a lasting peace.
