US Diplomats Engage in High-Stakes Kremlin Negotiations with Putin
In a significant diplomatic manoeuvre, American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held extensive late-night discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow. The high-level meeting, which stretched into the early hours of Friday morning, was characterised by the Russian administration as a 'useful' exchange centred on a United States-drafted blueprint to terminate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin Confirms Productive Dialogue Ahead of Trilateral Summit
Official video footage released by the Kremlin depicted a cordial atmosphere, with a smiling President Putin warmly shaking hands with the American delegation, which also included White House adviser Josh Gruenbaum. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the talks had successfully established the groundwork for the inaugural session of a trilateral working group, stating the discussions had been 'useful in every respect'.
Following the Moscow conclave, the American delegation prepared to depart for Abu Dhabi, where further security negotiations involving US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials are scheduled for later today. A Russian delegation, anticipated to be led by GRU intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, is also expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates for this next critical round of diplomacy.
Zelensky Confirms UAE Meeting Amid Candid Davos Address
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, confirmed his team was en route to the Emirates for meetings with both American and Russian counterparts. 'Right now, our team is heading to the Emirates for meetings with both the American and Russian sides. We're waiting to see how it goes and will decide on the next steps,' Zelensky stated, indicating talks would occur on both Friday and Sunday.
Zelensky revealed he had held a 'very good' meeting with US President Donald Trump in Davos, noting that teams from both nations are working 'almost every day' and that documents aimed at concluding the war are 'nearly, nearly ready'. President Trump corroborated the positive tone, telling reporters the meeting was 'good' and asserting 'This war has to end.'
Ukrainian Leader Issues Stark Critique of European Inaction
In a searing segment of his Davos address, President Zelensky delivered a pointed critique of European allies, accusing the continent of a profound lack of 'political will' in confronting Vladimir Putin. He highlighted the disparity in action, questioning why President Trump could halt shadow fleet tankers and seize oil while Europe seemingly could not.
'If Putin has no money, there is no war for Europe,' Zelensky argued, emphasising that Russian oil transported along European shores continues to fund the conflict. 'That oil funds the war against Ukraine, that oil helps destabilise Europe.' He lamented that a year after calling for Europe to learn to defend itself in Davos, 'nothing has changed.'
Zelensky portrayed Europe as 'fragmented' and 'lost', arguing it must evolve from a 'beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers' into a unified global force that defines the future rather than reacts too late.
Security Guarances and Military Commitments Remain Central
The Ukrainian president underscored that concrete security guarantees from the United States are indispensable to prevent any future Russian invasion. While acknowledging commitments from the UK and France to deploy some troops to 'military hubs' in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire, Zelensky was unequivocal: 'The backstop of President Trump is needed... no security guarantees work without the US.'
He confirmed that the core dispute in negotiations remains the issue of territorial control in eastern Ukraine, describing it as 'all about the land'. US envoy Steve Witkoff has previously characterised this primary sticking point between Russia and Ukraine as 'solvable', offering a glimmer of hope as diplomatic efforts to resolve Europe's deadliest conflict since the Second World War intensify.
