The short version
- US envoys met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Dublin to discuss peace terms with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following stalled negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
- Russia insists on defining borders based on current control and opposes European troop involvement, while Ukraine faces renewed restrictions on military-grade satellite communications.
- European leaders express concern that US diplomatic shifts may concede too much to Russian demands regarding NATO presence and continental security frameworks.
American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff concluded a two-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Thursday, marking the latest phase of Washington’s renewed push for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine. The discussions in Moscow followed a round of talks in Abu Dhabi that ended without major breakthroughs, aside from an agreement to exchange prisoners. Immediately after leaving Russia, the US delegation flew to Dublin to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attempting to bridge the widening gap between Kyiv and Moscow.
The diplomatic shuttle comes as the conflict approaches its fifth year, with fighting continuing along a front line that stretches approximately 1,200 kilometers. While the Abu Dhabi negotiations brought Russian and Ukrainian representatives together for the first time in nine months, fundamental disagreements remain unresolved. Kushner indicated that while both sides agreed on certain principles, they are still far apart on the methods required to achieve peace. The lack of progress has intensified scrutiny on how the United States is balancing its relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv.
A central point of contention during the Moscow meeting was the future of European security architecture. Putin reiterated that Russia views NATO’s eastward expansion as a primary threat and demanded that the alliance pull troops back from borders near Russia. He stated unequivocally that any deployment of European troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire would be unacceptable, warning that such a move would be treated as a legitimate security threat and could trigger an immediate resumption of hostilities. The Russian president also insisted that any peace deal must recognize the current line of contact as the border, effectively cementing Moscow’s control over four Ukrainian regions it annexed in 2022 but never fully secured.
In response to these demands, the US administration is seeking to include European representatives in future negotiations. Kushner stated that securing Putin’s blessing for European participation was a key goal of the Moscow meeting. However, Russia has resisted direct involvement from European nations in peace talks, arguing that they are actively financing and supplying Ukraine’s military effort. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized European disunity, suggesting that Europe must appoint a single representative to engage with Moscow if it wishes to be part of the process.
European leaders have expressed deep concern about the direction of US diplomacy. Many in Brussels and other capitals view the inclusion of Russia in discussions about postwar security as an unwelcome concession to Putin’s long-standing demands. Analysts note that Russia has historically sought to revise core principles of European sovereignty and territorial integrity, aiming for a veto over defense decisions on the continent. There is growing alarm among European officials that Washington may be willing to grant concessions on NATO strategy in exchange for a settlement in Ukraine, potentially undermining the security guarantees previously discussed in Paris.
Compounding the diplomatic friction are operational challenges on the ground. President Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine’s military is facing systematic restrictions on Starshield, a military-grade satellite service developed by SpaceX. These disruptions have hindered Kyiv’s ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones, a capability that has proven vital on the front lines. Zelenskyy criticized the situation, suggesting that decisions made in Washington are treating Ukrainian territory as if it does not belong to Ukraine. A similar connectivity issue occurred in late October, lasting about a week before being resolved, but the cause of the current disruption remains unclear.
Despite the stalled negotiations, both sides have agreed to explore humanitarian measures. Putin proposed a five-day ceasefire in Kostyantynivka, a contested city in the Donetsk region, modeled after a recent truce in Oleshky that allowed for civilian evacuations. Ukrainian officials are skeptical of this proposal, noting that Russia used previous humanitarian pauses to rotate troops and bring in equipment. Kyiv disputes that Russia fully controls Kostyantynivka and fears that a truce could allow Moscow to make a final push to seize the town. Details of any potential ceasefire would need to be clarified before implementation.
Zelenskyy, speaking from Dublin where he is attending a meeting with more than 40 European countries and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, emphasized that Ukraine will not surrender occupied territory in exchange for peace. He noted that political changes in the United States and Europe could create a window of opportunity for a deal in the coming year. Rutte affirmed that the US, Europe, and Ukraine remain aligned on the need for security guarantees, but stressed that a peace deal or at least a ceasefire is urgently needed to stabilize the region. As diplomatic efforts continue, the disparity between Russian demands and Ukrainian red lines remains stark.
The current diplomatic landscape reflects a significant shift in US positioning, with Washington engaging directly with Moscow on issues previously considered off-limits. This approach has drawn criticism from allies who fear that European security is being negotiated without their full input. As the envoys move between capitals, the challenge lies in reconciling Russia’s insistence on territorial gains and NATO rollback with Ukraine’s demand for sovereignty and European support. The outcome of these talks will likely determine whether a fragile ceasefire can be achieved or if the conflict will continue to escalate into the winter months.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗US envoys head to meet Zelensky after talks with Putin in Moscow
- PBS NewsHour↗U.S. envoys meet with Putin in Moscow on Ukraine talks, then head for Dublin to see Zelenskyy
