Kremlin: Putin Open to Parts of U.S. Proposal but Key Disagreements Remain

The Kremlin confirmed that President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner lasted nearly five hours, marking one of the most detailed exchanges to date on Washington’s evolving peace proposals for Ukraine.

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USA and Russia

Ushakov Outlines Scope of the Negotiations

According to presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the talks examined several possible frameworks for a settlement. He revealed that Moscow received four additional documents from the American side, supplementing the initial 28-point plan earlier presented on behalf of President Donald Trump.

“There was a document of twenty-seven points. We reviewed it, of course, though we did not work on the formulations and held no discussions on that level,” Ushakov explained.

These new materials were then analyzed during the Kremlin meeting with Witkoff and Kushner, alongside broader strategic questions, including territorial issues. Ushakov described the atmosphere as constructive, useful and highly substantive, adding that the session focused on the essence of the U.S. proposals rather than on finalized wording.

No Breakthrough Yet on Territorial Questions

Despite the intensive exchange, Ushakov stated that no compromise has yet been reached on the most sensitive matters. He noted that discussions around territory remain unresolved and that, for now, no meeting between Putin and Trump is planned.

“Compromises have not yet been found, and a leaders’ meeting is not currently on the agenda,” he said.

Putin’s Reaction to the U.S. Plan

Ushakov confirmed that Putin offered a nuanced response to the American proposals, indicating readiness to accept certain elements while criticizing others.

“There are points we could agree with, and the president confirmed this to his interlocutors. Other points provoked criticism,” Ushakov reported.

The aide also clarified that Witkoff and Kushner will not travel to Ukraine after the Kremlin talks. Instead, they will return directly to Washington to brief Trump and continue consultations from the United States.

Reports of Russia’s Firm Position on Three U.S. Points

According to reporting by NBC News, Moscow will not concede on three provisions within the U.S. framework: the status of Donbas, limitations on the size of Ukraine’s armed forces, and recognition by the U.S. and Europe of territories held by Russian forces as part of Russia. These issues remain among the most contentious in the dialogue.

Putin Sends Friendly Greetings and Political Signals

During the meeting, Putin also conveyed friendly greetings to Trump through Witkoff, along with what Ushakov described as several important political signals.

“The president asked our partners to convey not only friendly greetings but also a number of significant political messages,” Ushakov said.

Next Steps Depend on Diplomatic and Working-Level Dialogue

Ushakov emphasized that any future meeting between the two presidents depends on preparatory work by aides and foreign ministries on both sides. He added that Moscow expects the dialogue with Witkoff and Kushner to continue by phone once they return to the United States, signaling that the channel remains active despite the absence of immediate breakthroughs.