Vladimir Putin hosted US negotiators at the Kremlin on Tuesday for five hours of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, which a Russian official said had been 'productive'.
The discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner were held behind closed doors and details have not yet emerged.
They came shortly after Putin said European demands over a US-Russia draft peace place were unacceptable, adding that 'if Europe wants to fight with us, we are ready to do so'.
The US envoys went to Moscow after similar talks with delegates from Kyiv in the last fortnight. Ukraine's President Zelensky said he expected a briefing by the US team after the meeting.
He said there was an opportunity to end the war 'now more than ever' but that elements of the proposals still needed to be worked out.
'Everything depends on today's discussions,' Zelensky told a press conference in Dublin. Kyiv representatives have twice met US negotiators since the 28-point peace plan - widely viewed to favour Moscow - was circulated in November.
The plan had sparked shock in Ukraine and Europe for appearing to lean towards Russian interests, which invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago.
Recently, discussions about the peace efforts suggested that proposals had been 'very much refined', although specifics remained unconfirmed. Significant disagreement exists over Ukrainian sovereignty regarding the territories controlled by Russia and security guarantees associated with NATO membership. Critics argue these aspects are non-negotiable for Ukraine.
While Trump's administration explores potential resolutions, fighting continues in Ukraine, particularly around key strategic locations such as Pokrovsk. Reports from both sides indicate ongoing conflict amid claims and counterclaims about territorial control.
In summary, this pivotal meeting in Moscow shines a spotlight on ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst a backdrop of warfare and geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe.
