President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow disagrees with parts of a US plan for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, following recent talks with US officials in the Kremlin. During his interview with India Today, Putin remarked, At times we said that yes, we can discuss this, but to that we can't agree, although he did not specify the exact points of contention.
Two major areas of disagreement remain prominent: the status of Ukrainian territories seized by Russian military forces and the security guarantees for Ukraine post-conflict. US negotiators, including former President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, are expected to meet with Ukrainian representatives soon to continue discussions.
Trump described the dialogue as reasonably good, while expressing uncertainty over the future, noting, it does take two to tango. Ahead of his planned state visit to India, Putin mentioned that Russia had not been provided with a modified version of the US peace plan prior to the extensive talks that lasted nearly five hours.
In his remarks, Putin underscored the need for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the eastern Donbas region, stressing, Either we take back these territories by force, or eventually Ukrainian troops withdraw. Current assessments suggest that Russian forces control approximately 85% of the Donbas.
Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov characterized the discussions as having produced no compromise, indicating that Moscow’s position had been bolstered by recent military achievements. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities responded critically, accusing Putin of delaying potential resolutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected proposals to cede any land, calling for definitive security guarantees in any negotiations.
Zelensky noted, The world clearly feels that there is a real opportunity to end the war, but insisted that pressure on Russia must accompany negotiations. Additionally, concerns have been raised among European leaders regarding the integrity of the US negotiations and the implications for Ukraine.
Germany's Der Spiegel recently revealed a confidential discussion among European leaders expressing anxiety over the risk of the US compromising Ukraine's territorial integrity without clear security assurances. The situation remains fluid as both diplomatic efforts and military activities continue on the ground.
