The American delegation’s Moscow meeting produced no breakthrough, prompting Washington to invite Ukraine to new consultations while Russia reiterated hard‑line demands.
Visit Yields No Progress
The meeting in Moscow, intended to be a key step toward ending the conflict, yielded no substantive change, observers report. Kremlin spokesman cut speculation about a holiday ceasefire, stating that “no ceasefire for Christmas or New Year is being considered.”
Ukrainian officials noted that while trade and economic cooperation were discussed, the core issue of ending aggression remained untouched.
Washington Calls for Further Dialogue
In Brussels, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that Washington had invited the Ukrainian side to a new round of consultations under the ongoing peace process.
Sybiha also highlighted that the U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, would travel to the U.S. soon to continue talks with the Ukrainian leadership.
Russian Demands Remain Unchanged
According to NBC News, a Russian official said the Kremlin will not compromise on three key points: recognition of Donbas as “Russian territory,” severe reduction of the Ukrainian army, and international recognition of new Russian borders by the U.S. and Europe.
These demands reflect Vladimir Putin’s long‑term goals of annexation, weakening Ukrainian forces, and turning Ukraine into a buffer zone between Russia and NATO.
Ukraine’s Position on Peace Plan
Ukraine stresses that work continues on a 20‑point peace plan developed after consultations in Geneva, with the most sensitive issues reserved for leaders to resolve.
Ukrainian press reports that the Washington delegation was firm on an immediate ceasefire and genuine peace talks, contrasting with Russia’s focus on economic and political cooperation rather than ending the conflict.
