US envoys meet Putin in Moscow as peace talks highlight territorial rift

United States mediators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow following talks in Abu Dhabi. During the consultations, the US delegation pressed for European inclusion in future peace negotiations to ensure long-term regional stability.

However, President Putin maintained a rigid stance on territorial matters, reiterating that any future border must reflect Russia's constitutional claims. These boundaries encompass Crimea, annexed in 2014, and four eastern Ukrainian regions partially controlled by Russian forces since 2022. While Kremlin officials did not rule out European participation in potential talks, Putin's firm territorial demands underscore ongoing friction in diplomatic efforts. The American envoys are slated to meet next with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as shuttle diplomacy continues.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau