Putin Meets Trump’s Envoys as Ukraine Peace Talks Stall Over Territory

Post by : Saif Nasser

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held long and intense talks with envoys sent by U.S. President Donald Trump, as the Kremlin made it clear that any peace deal with Ukraine depends on resolving the issue of territory. The meeting, which lasted nearly four hours and ended after 3 a.m. in Moscow, shows that negotiations to end the Ukraine war are entering a difficult and sensitive phase.

According to the Kremlin, Putin met Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for what officials described as frank and constructive discussions. Russia repeated its position that a lasting peace cannot be achieved unless Ukraine agrees to territorial changes. Moscow wants Ukraine to withdraw its troops from eastern regions that Russia claims to have annexed but does not fully control.

This meeting came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized European allies at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He said Europe’s response to the war has been slow and divided, leaving Ukraine vulnerable at a critical moment. Zelenskyy warned that without faster and stronger action, Europe risks weakening its own security.

Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the territorial issue remains the main obstacle to peace. He also said that Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have agreed to hold new talks on security matters in the United Arab Emirates. These talks are expected to begin soon and could be an important step toward a broader agreement.

Zelenskyy, after meeting Trump in Davos, said that peace proposals are nearly ready but admitted that the future status of occupied land is still unclear. He stressed that Ukraine is open to discussion but cannot accept solutions that violate its sovereignty or international law.

Trump later said that both Putin and Zelenskyy want a deal and that compromises are being discussed on all sides. He noted that borders and territory remain the main sticking points, as they have been for many months. Trump said the goal is to end the war as soon as possible, even if it requires tough decisions.

The war has taken a heavy toll on both countries. Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, but its gains have come at a high cost in lives and money. Sanctions have strained the Russian economy. Ukraine, meanwhile, faces serious challenges, including shortages of weapons, funding, and troops. Officials say desertions and draft evasion have weakened its front lines.

Zelenskyy used his Davos speech to criticize Europe for spending too little on defense, acting too slowly, and failing to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. He warned that Europe risks repeating the same mistakes if it does not take stronger and more united action.

New talks in the UAE are seen as a test of whether diplomacy can move forward. Zelenskyy said Russia must also be ready to compromise, not just Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed it will send a high-level delegation to Abu Dhabi, while separate discussions on economic issues are also planned.

As negotiations continue, the path to peace remains uncertain. The talks show that while there is growing pressure to end the war, deep disagreements over land, security, and trust still stand in the way of a final settlement.