INTERNATIONAL – Russian President Vladimir Putin spent more than three hours Monday in the Kremlin talking with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — envoys of U.S. President Donald Trump — hoping to find a way to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting had been seen as perhaps the most serious effort yet to forge a deal, but when the two sides emerged, no agreement had been reached.
Ahead of talks, Putin delivered a blunt message to Europe: he accused European governments of sabotaging peace efforts by pushing what he described as “absolutely unacceptable” demands. “They are on the side of war,” he said. He added a stark warning: if Europe “starts a war with us … it will end very quickly.”
Inside the Kremlin, the mood was reportedly “constructive, very useful and substantive,” according to a senior Russian aide. Still, the sticking points — especially territorial issues — proved too divisive. “Compromises have not yet been found,” the aide said, acknowledging the deep gulf between what Russia demands and what Ukraine and its allies tolerate. The U.S.-drafted peace framework is now criticised by many in Europe and Kyiv as favouring Moscow, raising serious skepticism about its fairness.
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As the West clamours for a more inclusive process, involving European nations directly, Russia remains firm on its conditions — including NATO exclusion for Ukraine and large territorial concessions. Meanwhile, in Kiev and across Europe, concern is growing that this U.S.–Russia shuttle diplomacy could lead to a deal that undermines Ukrainian sovereignty under the guise of peace.
For now, the clash between ambition and reality continues: what was meant to be a pivotal meeting ended as a stalemate. The war grinds on, and so does the uncertainty about whether diplomacy can finally bring closure — or whether the hard line from Moscow will drown any hope of lasting peace.
