What's happened
U.S. negotiators Kushner and Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow amid ongoing Ukraine conflict. Russia warns Europe of swift defeat if war erupts, while the U.S. presents a revised peace plan. Ukraine insists on full peace, not just a ceasefire. The talks highlight tensions over concessions and territorial demands.
What's behind the headline?
The current diplomatic efforts reveal a complex chess game between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine. Putin's warning of swift defeat for Europe if war resumes underscores Russia's hawkish stance, while the U.S. attempts to craft a peace framework face skepticism from Ukraine and allies. The leaked U.S. draft proposals, perceived as too favorable to Russia, have intensified fears of a capitulation scenario. Meanwhile, Russia's territorial gains in 2025 and military advances suggest that Moscow is prepared to escalate if negotiations fail. The U.S. and European push for a 'dignified peace' aligns with Ukraine's demand for a complete end to hostilities, but underlying tensions over territorial sovereignty and NATO membership remain unresolved. The next weeks will determine whether diplomacy can bridge these divides or if conflict will deepen, with Russia likely to press for territorial recognition and security guarantees that Ukraine and its allies will oppose. This standoff will shape Europe's security landscape for years to come, with the potential for renewed conflict if negotiations collapse.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Putin dismissed European counter-proposals as unacceptable and warned of swift defeat if Europe engaged in war, emphasizing Russia's readiness to fight on. SBS highlights the meeting between Kushner, Witkoff, and Putin, noting the criticism of the U.S. peace proposals for favoring Russia and the insistence by Zelenskyy that any agreement must fully end the war. Reuters details the military advances by Russia, including control of over 19% of Ukraine, and the ongoing diplomatic tensions, with U.S. officials warning of Russia's territorial ambitions and the risks of a compromised peace process. These sources collectively illustrate the high-stakes nature of the negotiations, with Russia's military posture and diplomatic demands at the forefront of the current crisis.
How we got here
The Ukraine conflict began in 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea and escalated with Russia's invasion in February 2022. The U.S. and European nations have sought diplomatic solutions, but Russia's demands for territorial recognition and NATO restrictions complicate peace efforts. Recent negotiations involve high-level U.S. officials and Russia, with conflicting views on concessions and the future of Ukraine.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Can US-Russia Peace Talks End the Ukraine Conflict?
Recent US-Russia peace negotiations have intensified amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine. With high-level meetings in Moscow and warnings from Russia to Europe, many are wondering if these talks can truly bring an end to the conflict. In this page, we explore the latest developments, the key sticking points, and what both sides are demanding. If you're curious about whether peace is possible or what the future holds for Ukraine, read on to get clear answers to your questions.
More on these topics
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.