Kremlin says Ukraine talks with US envoys were 'useful'

Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in lengthy discussions with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov provided no indication of any breakthrough. The Americans presented various ideas for a potential settlement, though the specifics were not disclosed by Ushakov.

Putin emphasized Russia's progress on the battlefield and expressed confidence in achieving its objectives. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict. These statements are not new for Russia, as they have been reiterated throughout the prolonged war. Neither Witkoff nor Kushner commented on the talks, which took place during their first visit to Russia since January on behalf of US President Donald Trump.

After the talks, the pair were set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. The discussions encompassed economic aspects and potential mutually beneficial Russian-American projects, according to Ushakov. Both the Kremlin officials, Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, later described the negotiations as timely and highly beneficial.

Putin expressed appreciation for Trump's efforts to end the war and vowed to safeguard the US negotiators. Putin also ordered the Russian military to refrain from attacks on Ukraine for three days due to their presence. Since the last US-mediated talks in February, both Russia and Ukraine have escalated their military operations, with intense long-range air strikes and sea battles deep within each other's territories.

Ukraine has rejected Russia's demands for territorial concessions and NATO membership, while the Kremlin remains determined to secure more land in the Donetsk region.