Putin suggests no Ukraine compromise in meeting with US envoys

Russian President Vladimir Putin firmly rejected the idea of foreign peacekeeping troops being stationed in Ukraine, stating that such a deployment would be a continuation of the war. During a Kremlin meeting with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Putin reiterated his uncompromising stance on territorial demands, insisting that any settlement must involve the state border and not include demilitarised zones.

He also dismissed talk of a territorial settlement, emphasizing that the only demarcation is the state border between Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin chose to broadcast the meeting, rejecting the notion of grey zones and stressing that the situation is clear and obvious. Russia's territorial claims include Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and regions in eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as four regions it formally annexed in 2022.

Despite not having full control over these areas, Moscow recognizes them as part of Ukraine but maintains its claims. Progress in the conflict has slowed, with hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced since 2022. Putin proposed a humanitarian mission to the frontline city of Kostyantynivka, where civilians might be allowed to evacuate, similar to a recent truce for the town of Oleshky.

He reiterated his opposition to foreign troops in Ukraine as peacekeepers, warning that their deployment would be seen as a legitimate target and a continuation of the conflict. US envoys urged Putin to allow European representatives at the table for future talks, while Kyiv and European leaders pushed for a focus on ending the war before discussing territorial issues.