Russia and US to Pursue Further Talks on Ukraine War After Moscow Meeting

Russia and the United States have agreed to move ahead with further security and economic discussions on the Ukraine war following late-night talks in Moscow, although the Kremlin has made clear that a lasting peace remains unattainable without resolving territorial issues. Russian officials said President Vladimir Putin met three US envoys in the Kremlin shortly before midnight on Thursday, with discussions lasting around four hours and described as frank and substantive. The meeting opened the way for new diplomatic engagements, including three-way security talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States scheduled to take place on Friday in Abu Dhabi. Despite outlining next steps, Moscow indicated that no major breakthrough had been achieved. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the core obstacle to a durable settlement remained unresolved, reiterating Russia’s long-standing stance that territorial arrangements must be agreed upon before any lasting peace can be secured.