The Kremlin has signalled that no major progress was made toward ending the war in Ukraine after a lengthy round of discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior U.S. envoys, dampening expectations that the renewed diplomatic channel could produce an imminent breakthrough.
The meeting, which stretched for more than five hours in Moscow, focused on the latest U.S. supported peace framework aimed at stopping the fighting and establishing long term security guarantees. While officials described the talks as serious and direct, Moscow said the proposal fell short of what it considers acceptable.
According to Russian officials, several sections of the plan were viewed as workable, but the most crucial elements including territorial arrangements and future security architecture were deemed incompatible with Russia’s core demands. The Kremlin reiterated that any agreement must formally recognise Russia’s positions on disputed territories, a condition Ukraine and its Western partners have rejected.
President Putin later stressed that Russia would continue military operations unless the peace proposals are revised to reflect what he called realities on the ground. He issued a pointed warning to European governments, saying Russia is prepared to respond strongly if European states take steps that escalate the conflict further.
For Washington, the talks were intended to test whether Moscow was willing to consider a negotiated path out of the war. The lack of visible progress underscores how far apart the two sides remain, despite months of back channel communication and pressure from global partners urging a political settlement.
The stalled outcome also reinforces concerns that the conflict may grind on into the foreseeable future. Analysts note that without significant movement from either side, attempts to revive negotiations may continue to hit the same obstacles sovereignty, territory, and long-term security guarantees.
As the diplomatic window remains narrow, both Russia and the United States have left the door open to further talks but officials acknowledge that any meaningful progress will require compromises neither side appears ready to make.