Five‑Hour Talks in Moscow
Moscow: Senior negotiators representing Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held five hours of talks in Moscow on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Despite lengthy discussions, both sides failed to reach a breakthrough on a peace agreement, according to a report by BBC Urdu.
Kremlin’s Position
A Kremlin spokesperson described the meeting as “constructive” but admitted that parts of the U.S.‑backed plan were unacceptable to Russia. Putin’s senior aide Yuri Ushakov later told reporters that while Moscow agreed on some points, “we are not yet moving toward a joint peace draft… much work remains.”
U.S. Delegation
The American team included Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son‑in‑law Jared Kushner, who joined after weeks of diplomatic efforts. The delegation left Moscow without making any public comment.
Disputed Peace Plan
The ceasefire proposal, widely seen as favorable to Russia when first reported in November, has undergone several revisions in recent weeks. Putin had already rejected changes suggested by Kyiv and European leaders, calling them “unacceptable.” He warned that if Europe sought war, “we are ready.”
Key Differences
Major disagreements remain between Moscow and Kyiv, including Russia’s demand that Ukraine relinquish territory still under its control and disputes over European security guarantees. European allies themselves are divided over what a potential peace deal should look like.
Putin’s Criticism of Europe
Ahead of the talks, Putin criticized European leaders for supporting Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in 2022. He said Europe was under the “illusion” that it could deliver a strategic defeat to Russia. While insisting Moscow does not plan war with Europe, he added: “If Europe suddenly wants war and starts it, we are ready.”