Kremlin-Washington talks conclude after reportedly productive meeting between US, Russian diplomats

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with two US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in Moscow on Saturday for over three hours. The talks aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war. However, no definitive breakthrough was announced by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. Putin informed the US diplomats that Russia was making real progress on the battlefield and confident of achieving its goals. He emphasized the need to address all root causes of the conflict.

The meeting focused not only on resolving the Ukrainian crisis but also on discussing potential economic and mutually beneficial projects between Russia and the United States, according to Ushakov. A Kremlin aide, Kirill Dmitriev, later stated that the negotiations were important for peacemaking efforts.

Putin praised Trump's efforts to end the war in his televised remarks. He expressed his commitment to helping bring about a settlement and contributing to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He also promised to ensure the safety of the US negotiators.

Putin promised to prevent the Russian military from striking Kyiv for three days due to the diplomats' trip. Russia had been intensifying its attacks on Ukraine throughout the summer, targeting key infrastructure in Kyiv, including the SBU security service headquarters. Ukraine, in response, has been targeting Russian refineries, oil terminals, and warehouses of an online retailer in an attempt to raise the costs for Russia to continue the war. Zelenskiy mentioned that Ukraine was prepared to refrain from strikes on Moscow through Monday.

While a significant divide remains between Russia and Ukraine regarding the terms for ending the war, a Kremlin source mentioned that Putin remains committed to capturing more territory. He believes that securing the remaining part of the Donetsk region could result in an agreement by the end of the year. However, Western military analysts consider this possibility remote due to Russia's slow rate of progress.

Ukraine has refused to cede any land it has successfully defended, rejecting such terms as a form of surrender. The Kremlin maintains that its position, outlined in a speech two years ago, is unshakeable - Ukraine should cede the entire territory of four regions claimed by Russia and abandon its NATO membership aspirations.