US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner canceled their planned meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Brussels after failing to reach any agreements with Russia during talks with Putin, leading to no updates being shared with Kyiv.
U.S. and Ukraine officials held intense negotiations focused on the de facto border with Russia, discussing territorial control in eastern Ukraine amid ongoing conflict, with both sides expressing cautious optimism about reaching a peace deal.
Russia's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev has arrived in the U.S. for talks amid heightened tensions following U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies and canceled summit plans, aiming to discuss the U.S.-Russia relationship and potential diplomatic avenues.
Russia's reactions to US sanctions on major Russian oil companies range from denial and claims of immunity to anger and accusations of war, amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine and failed peace talks, with Moscow emphasizing maximalist demands and skepticism about negotiations.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism about obtaining US long-range missiles like Tomahawks for offensive operations, amid mixed signals from the US and ongoing conflict developments, including Russian advances in eastern Ukraine and proposals for US-Russia cooperation such as a Bering Strait rail tunnel. Zelenskyy also discussed international support and efforts to de-escalate the war.
U.S. President Trump indicated he might approve the sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russia does not end its war, raising concerns of escalation; Ukraine's Zelenskiy emphasized the military-only use of such weapons, while Russia warned of increased conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that US supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would severely damage US-Russia relations and escalate the conflict, potentially leading to a new stage of confrontation between the two powers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that US long-range missile supplies to Ukraine would severely damage US-Russia relations but would not alter the battlefield dynamics, as Russia continues its slow advances in Ukraine. He praised Trump's efforts in Ukraine peace negotiations, reaffirmed the nuclear arms treaty, and issued stern warnings against Western actions like seizing Russian oil ships, while also dismissing Western accusations of Russian aggression and drone activities. Putin also made provocative remarks about Western internal politics and military developments, emphasizing Russia's confidence in its defenses.
Russia has warned it will respond 'appropriately' if the US transfers Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, amid ongoing tensions and debates over military support, with Russia dismissing the potential impact of such weapons and Ukraine seeking long-range missile capabilities to counter Russian strikes.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the West that any aggression against Russia would be met with a decisive response, amid rising tensions over airspace incursions, Ukraine conflict, and US military activity near Venezuela, while expressing hope for dialogue with the US despite ongoing conflicts.
European NATO members are uneasy over Trump's muted response to a drone incursion in Poland, which involved Russian-backed drones crossing into Polish airspace, raising concerns about US commitment to European security and NATO's eastern defenses amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Trump's reluctance to publicly condemn Russia or offer substantial support contrasts with previous US responses, prompting calls for Europe to bolster its own defenses while highlighting the need for continued US engagement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the Trump administration is listening to Russia's arguments regarding Ukraine and that Moscow and Washington have reached a 'mutual understanding' about the conflict, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and international tensions.
Vladimir Putin expressed optimism that the recent Alaska meeting with Donald Trump could lead to peace in Ukraine, highlighting ongoing efforts and strategic partnerships, despite stalled negotiations and entrenched positions between Russia and Ukraine.
The article discusses the confusion and lack of clarity surrounding recent diplomatic efforts by the US and Europe to end the Ukraine war, highlighting miscommunications and unclear promises made by Putin during meetings with US officials, and the challenges faced by President Trump’s approach to negotiations with Russia.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Rolling Stone
The article details President Putin's visit to Alaska, where he and Trump appeared to strengthen Russia's economic ties and energy interests amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine, with the summit highlighting a global shift towards fossil fuel reliance and geopolitical realignments that favor Russia's energy sector, despite international sanctions and war crimes charges against Putin.