US envoy leaves Moscow without breakthrough as peace talks stall

US envoy Steve Witkoff concluded his latest diplomatic mission to Russia on Tuesday with no visible progress toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine, despite what both sides described as a lengthy and "constructive" exchange. 

The five-hour meeting at the Kremlin underscored the deep divides that continue to separate Washington and Moscow, particularly on the issue of territorial control.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the talks produced no measurable movement. Speaking after the meeting, he said the two sides were "neither further nor closer" to a peace agreement — a phrase that captured the stagnation surrounding the latest round of diplomacy. 

The United States had brought a revised peace proposal, but Moscow signaled once again that any deal would require substantial concessions from Washington and Kyiv.

Witkoff's visit was his sixth trip to Moscow this year, part of ongoing efforts by the United States to maintain open channels with Russia despite the persistent hostilities on the battlefield.

Earlier in the day, President Vladimir Putin sharpened his criticism of European governments, accusing them of undermining diplomatic initiatives and choosing confrontation over negotiation. In televised remarks, he warned that Europe risked severe consequences if it continued on what he described as a destabilizing course.

Russian officials repeated the message behind closed doors, emphasizing that European support for Ukraine remains a major obstacle to meaningful talks. Moscow continues to insist that any settlement must account for what it considers irreversible territorial changes, a position rejected by both Kyiv and its Western partners.

Speaking in Dublin on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted he was worried the United States could lose interest in the peace process.

"Yes, I am afraid. If somebody from our allies is tired, I'm afraid," Zelenskyy said, adding "It's the goal of Russia to withdraw the interest of America from this situation."

For Washington, the revised proposal presented in Moscow aimed to test whether Russia was willing to consider adjustments that could lay the groundwork for further negotiations. Tuesday's outcome, however, suggested that Moscow remains entrenched — willing to speak, but not yet ready to shift its negotiating stance.

Diplomatic observers note that the lack of progress does not necessarily signal a breakdown in dialogue, but it highlights how limited the space for compromise remains. With winter approaching and both sides recalibrating their military and political strategies, expectations for rapid diplomatic gains were already low.

Witkoff departed Moscow without public comment, leaving open the possibility of future engagements but carrying no breakthrough for Western capitals hoping to maintain a viable peace process.