US-Russia Talks Yield Promising but Fruitless Outcome Over Ukraine Territory
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A high-stakes meeting between US and Russian officials has ended with a glimmer of hope but no concrete breakthrough in resolving the ongoing territorial disputes in Ukraine. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the 5-hour talks as "very useful and constructive" but acknowledged that significant differences remain. Ushakov revealed that the initial US plan was divided into four parts, with some points being agreeable to both sides. However, the two nations failed to reach a compromise on key issues, including Ukraine's occupied territories. The meeting, attended by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, came days after US officials held talks with a Ukrainian team in Florida. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the previous talks as "cautiously optimistic," Putin's comments suggest that Russia remains committed to its stance. In a separate statement, Putin accused Ukraine's European allies of sabotaging US-led efforts to end the war. He warned that Russia is prepared to defend itself if Europe initiates a conflict. Despite the tensions, Ushakov emphasized that the US and Russia have not drifted further apart after the meeting. The outcome of the talks raises questions about the feasibility of a peace deal, with some reports suggesting that Russia may gain control over 5,000 sq km of Ukrainian territory under a proposed agreement. While the negotiations have been deemed constructive, the lack of a compromise on key issues casts doubt on the prospects of a resolution.
