Kremlin: Putin Did Not Reject U.S. Proposal as Moscow and Washington Seek Compromise

President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with representatives of the U.S. administration marked the first direct and detailed discussion of Washington’s peace proposal for Ukraine, according to presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who emphasized that the process is now moving into a phase of structured compromise-seeking.

'Normal Working Process' – Peskov

Speaking to reporters, Peskov stressed that the results of the talks should not be interpreted as a rejection of the U.S. plan. He explained that the dialogue opened with a frank exchange in which some ideas were accepted and others identified as unacceptable — a dynamic he described as a natural part of negotiating complex issues.

“This was the first such direct exchange of views. Some elements were taken on board; some were marked as unacceptable. This is a normal working process and the search for compromise,” Peskov said.

He declined to disclose details, noting that Moscow believes quiet, discreet diplomacy increases the productivity of the talks. He added that Washington appears committed to the same principle, avoiding what he called “megaphone diplomacy.”

Possibility of Putin–Trump Call At Any Moment

When asked whether a phone conversation between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump could take place soon, Peskov said the call could be arranged instantly if needed. The two leaders last spoke by telephone on October 16.

Five Hours of Closed-Door Negotiations in the Kremlin

The talks lasted roughly five hours and involved senior representatives from both sides. Alongside Putin were his aide Yury Ushakov and presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The U.S. delegation was led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner.

Ushakov: Constructive Dialogue, No Movement Away from Peace

Following the talks, Ushakov outlined several core points that shaped the discussion:

• Russia and the U.S. agreed not to reveal the substance of the negotiations.
• The session covered several versions of the peace plan; the focus was on underlying principles, not final wording.
• Moscow received four additional documents from the American side beyond the initial U.S. proposal.
• Putin indicated that Russia could accept parts of the plan, while other points remain subject to criticism.
• No compromise has yet been reached on territorial questions, though U.S. negotiators presented new conceptual material.
• Putin conveyed several key political messages for Trump.
• The talks were “useful, constructive and substantive,” and, critically, “did not move the parties further from peace.”
• U.S. negotiators will return to Washington, brief Trump, and then contact Moscow again; a direct Putin–Trump meeting has not yet been scheduled.