U.S. and Russia agree to resume peace talks on Ukraine-Russia conflict after nine-month hiatus
The United States and Russia have agreed to keep diplomatic efforts going to end the war in Ukraine, following talks in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
The discussions covered possible steps towards a peace deal, including a joint humanitarian initiative, security guarantees and the future of Europe’s security arrangements.
However, there was little indication of a breakthrough, with major disagreements remaining over the future of occupied Ukrainian territory and the role of NATO.
Putin rejected the prospect of European troops being stationed in Ukraine, while maintaining Russia’s position on regions it claims to have annexed, despite not having full military control over them.
The Moscow meeting followed earlier rounds of negotiations in the United Arab Emirates, which failed to produce a wider agreement, although prisoner exchanges were secured.
Europe weighs in on security guarantees
European leaders gathered in Dublin for a European Political Community summit, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte among those attending.
Rutte said there was growing alignment on the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, but stressed that meaningful progress would depend on a peace agreement or ceasefire.
Zelenskyy welcomed the prospect of another prisoner exchange as a positive development but ruled out surrendering occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a settlement.
Kushner and Witkoff are expected to meet with Zelenskyy following their discussions with Putin, as diplomatic efforts continue. Meanwhile, the European Union has announced another round of sanctions against Russia.
Despite the renewed negotiations, fighting has continued on the ground. Russian missiles and drones struck Ukrainian targets, killing one person and damaging energy infrastructure, triggering power outages.
Ukraine has also reported strikes against Russian oil refineries, with retaliatory attacks causing further damage.
Separately, Russia has blamed Ukraine for an explosion that killed a Russian serviceman. Kyiv has not publicly commented on the allegation.
