Yesterday, on December 2, high-level talks between Russia and the United States over a U.S.-proposed peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict ended at the Kremlin without reaching a deal, raising fresh doubts about a negotiated settlement.
Five Hours at the Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for a nearly five-hour meeting. Attending alongside them were Putin aide Yuri Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Ireland at the time, said Kyiv was watching closely and awaited signals from Washington.
Territorial Talks, No Agreement
After the session, Ushakov called the discussions "very useful, constructive and substantive" and confirmed that territorial issues were reviewed. However, he added that although Moscow found some U.S. proposals acceptable, no overall compromise emerged. Further talks at the aides’ level are planned, with any potential Putin-Trump summit hinging on progress.
Russia Pushes Back on Europe’s Edits
President Putin rejected amendments proposed by European governments, saying they were aimed at blocking the peace process and were "unacceptable" to Russia. He insisted Europe wanted to blame Moscow for any collapse in negotiations, but stressed that Russia had no intention of going to war with Europe.
Zelenskyy’s Call for Transparency
On X, Zelenskyy urged openness in the diplomatic process, warning against behind-the-scenes deals. He highlighted that the most sensitive topics include territory, frozen assets and security guarantees, and pledged Ukraine would continue negotiating without simple fixes.
Frontline Dynamics Remain Fluid
Despite the talks, fighting continues. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported capturing Zeleny Gai and Dobropillya in Zaporizhzhia and striking Ukrainian facilities in 141 locations. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Ukrainian forces blocked sabotage routes and are pushing back around Kupyansk, calling Russia’s territorial claims "propaganda."
On December 1, Russia claimed it took Krasnoarmeysk (known in Ukraine as Pokrovsk) and Vovchansk; Kyiv denied these, saying Russian troops briefly entered under heavy fog to raise a flag before withdrawing for publicity. President Putin has invited foreign journalists, including Ukrainian reporters, to visit these towns and "see with their own eyes" their control status.
What’s Next?
With no breakthrough in the Kremlin and battles still raging, the path to peace remains uncertain. Diplomats from both sides will continue consultations this month, but analysts say real progress will hinge on bold compromises and a willingness to bridge deep-seated distrust.
Reference(s):
Russia-U.S. talks on Ukraine peace plan end without breakthrough
cgtn.com
