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US envoys to meet Zelensky after Putin talks as further negotiations agreed
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Vladimir Putin in Moscow after talks on ending the war in Ukraine concluded in Abu Dhabi. They are travelling to Dublin to meet Volodymyr Zelensky, with Witkoff saying a further round of trilateral talks had been agreed; the efforts matter because major disputes remain and a settlement still appears distant.
The discussions addressed European security arrangements and territorial questions, but Russia’s demands for territory and Ukrainian neutrality remain far from Kyiv’s position. Witkoff said Europeans would join the next talks, although UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell was delayed and could not attend in Dublin. Zelensky also said Starlink’s military service had faced restrictions for several days, disrupting Ukraine’s efforts to intercept Russian drones; Putin proposed a five-day humanitarian truce around contested Kostyantynivka, which Kyiv views with caution.
In short
- US envoys met Putin and are heading to Dublin for talks with Zelensky.
- Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on territory and security.
- Zelensky says Starlink restrictions are hindering drone interception.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of continued negotiations argue that even when a settlement is distant, direct talks can clarify positions, reduce the risk of miscalculation and create openings for humanitarian measures. A further round involving Ukraine, Russia, the US and Europeans could give affected parties more influence over security arrangements and help test whether any terms are acceptable to Kyiv.
The case against
Sceptics argue that talks may offer little progress while Russia’s territorial and neutrality demands remain far from Ukraine’s position, and that a proposed local truce warrants caution. They may also question whether negotiations can produce a durable settlement if Ukraine’s security needs and European interests are not adequately represented, particularly given the UK adviser’s absence from the Dublin meeting.
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Originally published by BBC World as “US envoys head to meet Zelensky after talks with Putin in Moscow”.