What's happened
U.S. officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, met with Putin in Moscow to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. While Putin expressed interest, no agreement was reached, and ongoing fighting continues with Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. The diplomatic effort aims to find a resolution amid persistent tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The recent meetings highlight the complex and fragile nature of diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war. While U.S. envoys like Kushner and Witkoff suggest Putin is interested in peace, the lack of concrete agreements and Russia's continued military advances indicate that a resolution remains distant. The Russian leader's comments about taking full control of the Donbas by force and his accusations of European sabotage suggest that Moscow's position is uncompromising. Meanwhile, Western allies are increasing military aid, signaling a commitment to support Ukraine's resistance. The risk of escalation, including potential attacks on Russian shipping or broader conflict spreading, remains high. The diplomatic process is likely to be protracted, with both sides entrenched in their positions, and the possibility of a negotiated peace will depend on significant concessions from Russia, which currently appear unlikely.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that U.S. envoys Kushner and Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow, but no agreement was reached, and the talks ended in a stalemate. The Moscow Times notes that the Kremlin described the meeting as 'useful' but 'constructive,' with no compromise found. Meanwhile, The Independent highlights European leaders' skepticism about Russia's willingness to pursue peace, citing statements from officials like Yvette Cooper and Margus Tsahkna. All sources agree that Russia's military actions continue, with strikes on Ukrainian cities and ongoing fighting, complicating diplomatic efforts. The articles collectively portray a tense, unresolved situation where diplomatic negotiations are ongoing but unlikely to produce immediate results.
How we got here
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, multiple diplomatic efforts have sought to end the conflict. The U.S. has engaged directly with Russia and Ukraine, with recent high-level meetings in Moscow and Washington. European nations remain cautious, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's territorial integrity and continued military support. Russia has maintained its goal of controlling the Donbas region, while Ukraine and its allies push for a ceasefire and peace negotiations.
Go deeper
Common question
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Are There Any New Peace Negotiations Happening in Ukraine?
Recent efforts to broker peace in Ukraine have gained momentum, with high-level talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine. While negotiations are ongoing, key issues remain unresolved. Curious about the latest developments and what they mean for the conflict? Below, we answer common questions about the current state of Ukraine peace efforts.
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What’s the Latest on Ukraine Peace Talks and Global Diplomatic Moves?
With ongoing conflict in Ukraine and international efforts to broker peace, many are wondering what’s happening behind the scenes. From US diplomatic efforts to Russian negotiations, and the impact of recent donations to children’s accounts, here’s what you need to know about the current global political landscape. Below, we answer common questions about these major developments and what they could mean for the future.
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Are Peace Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Making Headway?
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to draw international attention, with diplomatic efforts intensifying amid ongoing fighting. Recent discussions suggest some openness from Russia, but key issues remain unresolved. If you're wondering whether peace is possible and what obstacles stand in the way, read on to find out the latest developments and what they mean for the future of the conflict.
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Yuri Viktorovich Ushakov is a Russian and former Soviet diplomat who served as the Ambassador of Russia to the United States from 1998 until 2008. Since 2012, he has been an advisor to the President of Russia on foreign policy issues.
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