The Guardian
Kremlin criticises Ukrainian-European peace proposals after Witkoff-Putin talks
US envoy Steve Witkoff brought Ukrainian and European peace proposals to Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, but the Kremlin criticised their substance. Russia expressed readiness in principle to restart trilateral negotiations, while Ukraine wanted them resumed promptly. Witkoff described the meeting positively but acknowledged unfinished work, saying US, Ukrainian and Russian discussions would continue at a technical level.
What to know
- 01
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders developed the proposals in Oslo before Steve Witkoff outlined them to Vladimir Putin.
- 02
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Russia was open in principle to restarting trilateral talks in mid-November and wanted postwar security on the agenda.
Why it matters
These exchanges form part of efforts to end the war, but Russia’s willingness to resume talks should not be read as endorsement of the Ukrainian-European proposals.
AI-assisted brief. Read the source for full details. Editorial & sourcing policy
