Ukraine talks with US envoys were useful; no sign of breakthrough, Kremlin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin held more than three hours of "highly useful" talks on Saturday with two US envoys seeking a deal to end the Ukraine war, a Kremlin aide said, but he gave no indication of any breakthrough.
- Why it matters
- Direct US-Russia talks on Ukraine's central conflict offer the first observable signal of whether diplomatic off-ramps remain open or positions have hardened further.
- Most affected
- Ukrainians — Their conflict's potential resolution trajectory depends on whether US-Russia talks yield movement.
US policymakers — They must assess whether the Kremlin is negotiating in good faith or stalling. - Likely next
- Whether follow-up talks are scheduled and what each side says about the meetings' substance in coming statements.