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Sunday 22/02/2026

US-Russia Talks Fail to Yield Breakthrough in Ukraine Peace Efforts

US envoy and Russian President in a meeting in Moscow
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Talks between the US and Russia in Moscow ended without progress on a Ukraine peace deal, with key disagreements persisting.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness for war with Europe if provoked, highlighting tensions with European allies.
  • The US peace proposal, seen as favorable to Russia, has been revised but remains contentious, with Ukraine seeking security guarantees.
  • European leaders fear the US-Russia talks may pressure Ukraine into making concessions, especially regarding territorial control.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for Ukraine's involvement in peace discussions and clear security assurances.

Recent high-level talks between the United States and Russia have concluded without significant progress towards a peace agreement in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The discussions, held in Moscow and involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, were described as "constructive" but ultimately fell short of resolving key issues.

Stalemate in Moscow

The five-hour meeting, which also included Jared Kushner, senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, aimed to address the protracted war in Ukraine. Despite intensive diplomatic efforts, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the talks did not bring the parties closer to a resolution. "We have not come up with a compromise version yet," Ushakov remarked, indicating that significant work remains.

Putin's Stance and European Concerns

In a stark warning, President Putin declared Russia's readiness for war with Europe if necessary, accusing European powers of obstructing peace efforts. "Russia does not intend to fight Europe, but if Europe starts, we are ready right now," Putin asserted. This rhetoric underscores the heightened tensions between Russia and its European neighbors, who have supported Ukraine's defense since the conflict's escalation.

US Peace Proposal Under Scrutiny

The US peace plan, initially perceived as favorable to Moscow, has undergone revisions to address concerns from Kyiv and European allies. However, the proposal remains contentious, particularly regarding territorial concessions and Ukraine's potential NATO membership—a move strongly opposed by Russia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted some progress on security guarantees, yet significant hurdles persist.

Ukraine's Position and Future Prospects

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for Ukraine's active participation in peace negotiations and emphasized the necessity of clear security guarantees. "We have to stop the war in such a manner that in one year, Russia would not come back," Zelensky stated, highlighting the importance of a sustainable resolution.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The failure to achieve a breakthrough in the recent US-Russia talks leaves the Ukraine conflict at a critical juncture. With key disagreements unresolved, the potential for further escalation remains. European leaders are particularly concerned about the possibility of Ukraine being pressured into unfavorable concessions, which could alter the region's geopolitical landscape.

Moving forward, diplomatic efforts are likely to intensify, with Ukraine seeking to bolster support from its European allies. The involvement of NATO and the broader international community could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of future negotiations. As the situation evolves, the focus will remain on achieving a durable peace that addresses the security concerns of all parties involved.

Images from the Web

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Image Source: AP
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Image Source: Lewis W Hine