Russia Confirms No Ukraine Compromise After Five-Hour Talks With Trump Envoys

Daily Maverick

Putin, joined by Kirill Dmitriev and Yuri Ushakov, held talks with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin on 2 December 2025.

The Kremlin has confirmed that no compromise was reached on the war in Ukraine following lengthy talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and envoys representing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The meeting, held in Moscow and lasting more than five hours, was described as “constructive” but ultimately unsuccessful in bridging core differences.

A senior Kremlin adviser said the discussions were “useful, constructive and substantive,” yet made clear that “so far, a compromise has not been found,” particularly on the key issue of territorial control. Moscow insists that any agreement must reflect the realities on the ground, while U.S. envoys have been pushing for a framework capable of halting hostilities and paving the way for broader negotiations.

The talks involved high-profile Trump associates, including businessman Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner. Their visit marks one of the most significant early diplomatic engagements ahead of Trump’s return to the White House.

According to Russian officials, disagreements remain profound. Kyiv continues to demand the restoration of its internationally recognised borders, while Moscow maintains its claims over territory it currently occupies. These divergent positions have stalled progress despite the extended meeting.

International observers note that the failure to achieve even a preliminary compromise highlights the scale of the diplomatic challenge facing the incoming U.S. administration. The Kremlin, meanwhile, said communication channels would remain open and further talks were possible, but stressed that “substantial work lies ahead.”

The United States has not yet issued a detailed readout of the meeting. However, analysts say the visit signals Trump’s intention to pursue a more direct negotiation track with Russia, despite the political sensitivity surrounding the conflict.
 
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, and AP 


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