Putin describes discussions with US to end conflict in Ukraine as 'valuable' yet 'challenging task'

Russian President Vladimir Putin described his extensive discussions with U.S. representatives on ending the conflict in Ukraine as both essential and productive, while acknowledging that some elements of the proposals were unacceptable to Moscow. He spoke to India Today TV ahead of his visit to New Delhi, with Russian news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti reporting parts of the interview.

The remarks come as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside Jared Kushner, is scheduled to meet Ukraines chief negotiator Rustem Umerov in Miami for further discussions, according to a senior U.S. administration official speaking anonymously. These negotiations are part of renewed efforts by former President Donald Trump to resolve the nearly four-year-long war.

Trump stated that Witkoff and Kushner returned from their prolonged meeting with Putin in the Kremlin feeling confident that the Russian leader is inclined to reach an agreement. They came away with the strong impression that he wants to make a deal, Trump said.

Putin noted that during the Kremlin talks, each point of the U.S. peace proposal had to be carefully examined, contributing to the lengthy duration of the discussions. It was an essential and very focused conversation, he said, adding that while some proposals were open for negotiation, others were unacceptable to Russia.

Author: Jackson Miller