Kremlin open to resuming Ukraine talks under US mediation

The Kremlin announced on Monday that Russia does not rule out resuming negotiations with Ukraine under US mediation, following visits by American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow last Saturday and then to Kyiv on Sunday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with the US negotiators was seen as “a small step towards peace,” noting that Moscow appreciates Washington’s efforts to achieve peace. He added that Putin expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his commitment to peace.

Peskov also indicated that Moscow does not rule out a possible phone call between Putin and Trump following the US envoys’ visit, confirming that the timing would be announced if such a call is arranged. He noted that Russia does not yet have information on the outcome of the US envoys’ discussions with Ukrainian officials.

New US proposals to end the war

The Russian position came after the American envoys presented new proposals, which a Ukrainian presidential official described as “more practical” for ending the war. The official said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a separate meeting with Witkoff and Kushner, considering this round of talks different and more effective than previous ones.

However, Zelensky expressed concern that the war could continue into next winter due to the Russian president’s reluctance for direct talks, stressing that the issue of disputed territories can only be resolved through meetings between the heads of state.

Witkoff welcomed the talks held in Kyiv, emphasizing the importance of both Moscow and Kyiv making concessions to find a way out of the conflict, which has continued since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Talks stalled over territorial disputes

Witkoff and Kushner’s visit to Kyiv was their first since US mediation efforts began, amid stalled negotiations over territorial issues. Moscow is demanding a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk region and for Kyiv to relinquish it, a demand Ukraine firmly rejects.

President Trump has launched several rounds of talks seeking a settlement since returning to the White House in early 2025, but these efforts have yet to yield tangible progress, especially as the US administration’s focus has shifted to the conflict with Iran.