Peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a U.S. delegation led by President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, ended on Tuesday after five hours without a substantive breakthrough, heightening tensions around the stalled diplomatic effort to end the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the meeting in Moscow as “useful and constructive,” but acknowledged that negotiators failed to reach agreement. He said parts of the American proposal were “more or less acceptable,” while several points were deemed incompatible with Russia’s position. The U.S. side, which also included Trump adviser Jared Kushner, has not issued a statement on the outcome.
Ukraine reacted sharply. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of “wasting the world’s time,” arguing that Putin has shown no intention of winding down the conflict. The Kremlin dismissed the criticism, insisting that talks remained active. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was inaccurate to suggest Putin rejected the U.S. plan outright, adding that Tuesday’s meeting represented the first direct exchange of views between the sides.
Speaking separately at a forum in Moscow, Putin issued fresh warnings to European governments, claiming they—not Russia—were obstructing progress. He asserted that Moscow is “ready right away” if any European power chooses to initiate a conflict, though he insisted he seeks no escalation. He cautioned that any move toward war could create “a situation in which there won’t be anyone to negotiate with.”
Putin also criticised Ukraine’s European allies, contending that their demands were “absolutely unacceptable” and hindered the U.S.-led effort. His remarks drew swift condemnation from European officials preparing for a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Ukraine is pursuing peace while Putin aims to “escalate war.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed support for Kyiv, pledging to place Ukraine “in the strongest possible position” until a viable deal is reached. Several officials dismissed Putin’s rhetoric, with U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting calling it “the same old sabre-rattling.”
The Moscow meeting followed a leak of the Trump administration’s 28-point peace plan, which proposed significant concessions by Ukraine, including reducing its military and ceding territory. The draft drew strong criticism from Kyiv and its allies. A revised version was discussed last week in Geneva and again in Florida over the weekend, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Ukraine’s new lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov. Rubio described the discussions as “productive” but said major differences remain, noting that Russia must also “agree to difficult but necessary concessions.”
European officials continue to oppose any settlement requiring Ukraine to give up land, warning it would reward Russia’s invasion. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said such pressure would have “major repercussions” and was “not in anybody’s interest.”
Putin’s latest comments reinforce his recent statements dismissing the prospects of negotiation. During a visit to Kyrgyzstan last week, he said talks were “pointless” while President Volodymyr Zelensky remained in office, adding that Russia would end military operations only if Ukraine withdrew from occupied territories.
