The U.S. delegation—which included former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner—has not yet commented on the outcome of its meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Russia for “wasting the world’s time,” insisting that Putin has repeatedly shown he has no intention of ending the war.
The Kremlin rejected claims that Putin is obstructing peace efforts. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was inaccurate to say Putin rejected U.S. proposals presented by Steve Witkoff and Kushner. According to Peskov, the meeting marked the first direct exchange of views: “Some ideas were accepted, others were deemed unacceptable. This is a normal working process aimed at finding a compromise.”
Putin arrived late to the meeting after attending an investment forum elsewhere in Moscow.
Speaking to reporters at the forum, Putin delivered sharp criticism of Europe, accusing European leaders—not Russia—of slowing progress toward peace. He warned that Russia is “ready” for a military confrontation if Europe chooses to start one, adding that although he does not seek further conflict, “if Europe suddenly wants to wage a war with us and starts it, we are ready right away.” He further warned that a European escalation could lead to “a situation in which there won’t be anyone to negotiate with.”
Putin also accused Ukraine’s European allies of obstructing U.S.-led diplomacy, claiming they had introduced demands “absolutely unacceptable” to Russia. The stalled negotiations—and Putin’s willingness to consider a military confrontation—have heightened tensions between Moscow and European governments.
Ahead of a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting, U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said that while Ukraine is striving for peace, Putin continues to “escalate war.” She urged him to abandon “bluster and bloodshed” and commit to a just and lasting peace.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine, saying the alliance will ensure Kyiv is in the best possible position to resist Russia until a peace agreement is reached. Rutte dismissed Putin’s warnings to Europe, though other European officials responded more forcefully. U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting called Putin’s remarks “the same old sabre-rattling,” noting the irony of the Russian leader accusing Europeans of warmongering while waging war in Ukraine.
The Moscow meeting followed the leak of the Trump administration’s 28-point peace plan on Nov. 20. Zelensky and European partners criticized the draft, which proposed that Ukraine significantly reduce its army and surrender territory.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials met last week in Geneva to discuss a revised version of the plan, followed by additional talks in Florida led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine’s new negotiator, Rustem Umerov. Umerov replaced Andriy Yermak, who resigned after his home was raided amid a broad corruption probe. Rubio described the discussions as productive but stressed that Russia must ultimately agree to “difficult but necessary concessions.”
European leaders remain firmly opposed to Ukraine ceding territory, a position Zelensky has consistently upheld. Many warn that pressuring Ukraine to give up land would reward Russian aggression and undermine European security. E.U. foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia started—and continues—the war, adding that forcing Ukraine to surrender would have dangerous consequences.
Putin’s recent comments reflect his dismissal of negotiated peace. During a trip to Kyrgyzstan last week, he called peace talks “pointless” while Zelensky remains in power. Celebrating recent battlefield gains, Putin said that Russia would stop fighting only if Ukrainian forces abandon the territories claimed by Moscow; otherwise, Russia would seize them militarily.
This stance directly contradicts Zelensky’s vow not to surrender territory, leaving the conflict locked in a stalemate with little sign Putin intends to compromise.
Trump has previously said Putin “let him down” by refusing to shift his position. Their August summit in Alaska—intended to explore a cease-fire—ended early with no results, and critics argued Putin walked away with increased leverage.
In October, Trump and the E.U. announced new sanctions on Russia, insisting “now is the time to stop killing.” Moscow shrugged off the measures, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stating that Russia has developed “strong immunity” to Western sanctions.
HOSTIFI CHEAP HOSTING