UPDATE: President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner held a “reasonably good meeting” with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 2, 2025, but no significant breakthroughs have emerged. The meeting, which took place at the Kremlin, was crucial as it aimed to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During a press briefing at the White House, Trump stated, “What comes out of that meeting? I can’t tell you,” emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations. He mentioned that both Witkoff and Kushner left with the impression that Putin is interested in ending the war but did not provide details on any agreements.
Despite the optimistic tone, Trump remarked, “It takes two to tango,” underlining the complexities involved in reaching a peace deal. The Kremlin’s response remains cautious, with Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, acknowledging that while some American proposals were deemed acceptable, critical disagreements persist.
In an effort to advance peace talks, Witkoff and Kushner have invited Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov to Miami for further discussions. This move underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to the nearly four-year Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting in Moscow lasted over four hours, yet officials from both sides have not disclosed the specifics of the proposals discussed. A previous 28-point peace plan presented to Ukraine was quickly revised down to a 19-point proposal, but its current iteration remains unclear.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who did not participate in the Moscow discussions, indicated that while “some progress” has been made on a truce proposal, significant hurdles remain. A key sticking point is Russia’s demand for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the entire Donbas region, a condition Ukraine has long rejected.
Rubio highlighted the ongoing struggle over a “30-to-50 kilometer space” within the Donetsk region, emphasizing that a sustainable peace deal must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Experts warn that without the Kremlin’s willingness to compromise, a peaceful resolution will remain elusive.
Internationally, geopolitical analysts are closely monitoring the situation. John Hardie from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted that without essential compromises from Russia, the prospects for peace diminish. He stated, “Until that changes, President Trump’s diplomatic efforts are unlikely to produce a deal.”
As tensions continue, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet European leaders in Brussels to discuss the aftermath of the Kremlin meeting. He aims to prepare for discussions with U.S. envoys about the ongoing negotiations.
In a world increasingly affected by this conflict, the urgency for peace is palpable. The next steps in the diplomatic process will be critical as all parties seek to navigate the complexities of ending the war.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
