The Kremlin Issues Vague Statement Following Talks Between US Envoy and Putin

The Kremlin has issued a vague statement following talks between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, days before Donald Trump’s deadline to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Constructive Talks

Foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the two sides had exchanged “signals” as part of “constructive” talks in Moscow. He also said Russia and the US had discussed the possibility of strategic cooperation – but refused to share more until Witkoff had briefed the US president.

The US envoy boarded a flight to the US on Wednesday afternoon, according to Russian media.

Cordial Atmosphere

The talks appeared cordial despite Trump’s mounting irritation with the lack of progress in negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. In images shared by Russian outlets, Witkoff was seen walking around central Moscow with Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev on Wednesday morning. Later, images showed Putin and Witkoff – who have met several times before – smiling and shaking hands in a gilded hall at the Kremlin.

US Threats of Sanctions

The US president has said Russia could face hefty sanctions or see secondary sanctions imposed against all those who trade with it if it doesn’t take steps to end the “horrible war” with Ukraine. Shortly after Witkoff’s departure from Moscow, the White House said Trump had signed an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying Russian oil.

Zelensky’s Response

Before Wednesday’s talks, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, warned that Russia would only make serious moves towards peace if it began to run out of money. He welcomed the threat of tougher US sanctions and tariffs on nations buying Russian oil.

No Immediate Settlement Expected

Expectations are muted for a settlement by Friday, and Russia has continued its large-scale air attacks on Ukraine despite Trump’s threats of sanctions. Before taking office in January, Trump claimed he would be able to end the war between Russia and Ukraine in a day. He failed, and his rhetoric towards Russia has since hardened.

Continued Conflict

Three rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul have failed to bring the war closer to an end, three-and-a-half years after Moscow launched its full invasion. Moscow’s military and political preconditions for peace remain unacceptable to Kyiv and to its Western partners. The Kremlin has also repeatedly turned down Kyiv’s requests for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin.

US Military Support

Meanwhile, the US administration approved $200m of additional military sales to Ukraine on Tuesday following a phone call between Zelensky and Trump, in which the two leaders also discussed defence cooperation and drone production. Ukraine has been using drones to hit Russia’s refineries and energy facilities, while Moscow has focused its air attacks on Ukraine’s cities.

It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate.