Putin-Witkoff talks constructive and very useful – presidential aide
Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, were constructive, very useful, and substantive, according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.
He made the comments after five hours of talks on Tuesday between the Russian president, his envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and Witkoff, which finished after midnight local time.
“No compromises have been found as of yet,” Ushakov said afterward, adding that a meeting between Putin and Trump is not currently planned.
“We discussed the substance, not specific wording and solutions. The parties see enormous potential for cooperation,” Ushakov said.
“Some American proposals are acceptable to Russia... others are not,” he stated, noting that the issue of territory was also discussed.
Asked whether peace is closer or further away following the talks, Ushakov said, “Definitely not further.”
According to the aide, the US delegation presented their Russian counterparts with four more documents regarding a settlement of the Ukraine conflict.
Dmitriev wrote on X that the session was “productive,” while Witkoff went immediately to the US Embassy compound.
Before departing for the meeting, Putin dismissed any contribution from Kiev’s European backers, citing their failure to recognize reality and accusing them of trying to disrupt the US-led process.
Putin also warned that Ukraine’s maritime access could be blocked if drone attacks on boats from third countries carrying Russian oil continue.
