The Western press commented on the talks in the Russian capital Moscow, which ultimately ended without result.
The German publication Focus.de writes that Russia and the United States did not seem to have made progress towards ending the war in Ukraine during a long meeting in the Kremlin, but according to Moscow, the dialogue will continue.
President Vladimir Putin spoke for more than five hours with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
After the meeting in the Kremlin, Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said that while they were no further from peace, they were also no closer to resolving the conflict. Much work remains to be done. For example, there is still no compromise on Russia’s demand for the cession of Ukrainian territory. Putin is demanding the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, although his army does not control all parts of the area. Kiev refuses to give Russia any territory.
Against this backdrop, Putin has threatened Europe with war. Russia, according to its president, Vladimir Putin, is “ready” for a possible war with Europe. Putin told reporters in Moscow on Tuesday: “We have no intention of waging war against Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts doing it, we are ready immediately.” Putin added that the Europeans are obstructing U.S. efforts to end the war in Ukraine and are “on the side of war.”
POLITICO reported that Vladimir Putin used a mix of charm, calculated procrastination and targeted threats to show U.S. envoys exactly where Russia stands on peace with Ukraine.
While the Americans were killing time at a fancy restaurant in Moscow, Putin addressed the press at an investment forum, accusing Europe of obstructing the peace process and hinting at future escalation. According to Ushakov, Putin noted “the destructive actions of the European side” – an indication that he may try to blame the EU for the eventual failure to reach a peace agreement.
In the days leading up to the talks in Moscow, Putin showed no sign of backing down from his demand for Ukraine's effective surrender, describing Zelensky as an illegitimate leader with whom he could not reach a deal.
So far, there are no signs that the talks in Moscow will lead to a change in Moscow's position.
Five-hour talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump's chief negotiator appear to have failed to produce a breakthrough on a peace deal for Ukraine, the BBC reports.
A Kremlin spokesman said the meeting in Moscow had been "constructive" but parts of the plan remained unacceptable to Russia.
Key disagreements between Moscow and Kiev remain, including over Ukraine's agreement to cede territory it still controls and guarantees security provided by Europe. Moscow and Ukraine's European allies also remain sharply at odds over their expectations of what a peace agreement should look like. Speaking ahead of the talks, Putin sharply criticized European leaders who have supported Kiev's defensive military efforts since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022.
Putin, who believes Russia has the initiative on the battlefield, appeared unwavering on his demands as recently as last week, while Zelensky has repeatedly said he would never give up control of eastern Ukraine.
Sky News reports: Putin rejects peace deal after meeting with Trump team - and tells Europe he is ready for war.
One particular sticking point has been Russia's demand that Ukraine give up control of the entire Donbas region, which has caused alarm among European leaders.
The Russian president accused European powers of changing peace proposals for Ukraine with demands that Russia considers "absolutely unacceptable". Volodymyr Zelensky was in Dublin on Tuesday to meet with the prime minister and president of Ireland. During the trip, the Ukrainian president warned that much depends on the outcome of the talks in Moscow and that he is awaiting reports from US envoys on whether the talks can move forward.