Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff held five hours of talks in Moscow on Monday, but made no headway on the core issue of occupied Ukrainian territories.
Accompanied by Trump advisor Jared Kushner, Witkoff presented Washington’s revised peace plan, first floated two weeks ago and since reworked with Ukrainian and European input.
Kremlin: “No compromise on territories”
Putin’s foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov summarised: “We agreed on some issues, others drew criticism, but the key is we had constructive dialogue and both sides want to continue.”
On the 19% of Ukraine under Russian control, Ushakov was blunt: “No compromise chosen yet – no solution found. But some American proposals could be discussed.”
He called the talks “useful” but warned “much work remains” as Russian troops accelerate advances.
US optimism meets Russian advances
The White House expressed “very optimistic” views after US-Ukraine talks in Florida. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the draft has been “refined” and hopes the war can end.
Witkoff also met UK PM Keir Starmer, Zelensky and Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov. European leaders joined Zelensky’s Macron call virtually.
Zelensky: Sovereignty non-negotiable
In Paris, Zelensky told Macron Kyiv prioritises sovereignty and strong security guarantees. He accused Russia of using talks to “weaken sanctions”.
The “territorial issue is the most difficult,” Zelensky said. Moscow demands cessions in the east; Kyiv rejects this outright.
Russian claims of key gains
Hours before the Putin Witkoff no territorial compromise talks, Russia claimed capture of strategic hub Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) and border town Vovchansk – the biggest advances in a year.
Putin visited a command post over the weekend, praising progress in “an important area”.
Ukraine made no concession. Open-source monitors suggest neither town has fully fallen.
Ukraine’s counter-disinformation head Andriy Kovalenko said Moscow exaggerates to pressure Kyiv.
November’s fastest Russian push
AFP analysis of ISW/CTP data shows Russian forces seized 701 sq km in November – the most since November 2024’s 725 sq km (excluding 2022’s early invasion).
Russia launched 5,660 missiles and long-range drones in November night raids; a 2% increase over October.
Zelensky’s domestic woes
Zelensky faces mounting pressure at home after a corruption scandal forced chief of staff Andriy Yermak to resign Friday.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called this week “pivotal”, warning Moscow negotiates only with those offering extras atop its current gains.
Trump’s “one day” promise fades
Trump, who vowed to end the war “in one day”, now calls it a “knot”. Putin threatened Europe: “We have no intention of war, but if Europe starts it, we are ready.”
The US imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil in late October – Trump’s first major moves since January.
Europe fears Trump’s Putin affinity will sacrifice Ukraine.
A leaked September Bloomberg call showed Witkoff advising Kremlin aide Ushakov on pitching a settlement to Trump.
Also read: US-Venezuela crisis: Trump warships & CIA spark invasion fears
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