Putin issues chilling war threat as he rejects Trump’s peace deal amid WW3 fears
A recent meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Moscow has underscored the ongoing difficulty in resolving the war in Ukraine. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner held a five-hour discussion with Kremlin officials.
Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov stated the talks were “useful and constructive,” but significant disagreements remain. He noted that while some U.S. proposals were agreeable, others received “critical and even negative” responses from Russia.
A major sticking point is Russia’s demand for control of Ukraine’s Donbas region. Ushakov emphasized that resolving territorial issues is non-negotiable for Russia in any peace plan.
Prior to these talks, President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to Europe. He stated Russia is “ready” for war if conflict arises, claiming, “we have no one to negotiate with” if Europe starts a fight.
President Trump, who pledged to end the war quickly, now faces a complex reality nearly a year into his term. A personal meeting between Trump and Putin appears distant, with Ushakov noting “a lot of work” is still needed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Dublin, acknowledged the importance of the Moscow talks. He expressed readiness to meet with President Trump, but stated the next steps depend on the signals from these discussions.
Zelenskyy stressed the urgent human cost, stating, “Our people are dying every day.” The path to peace remains fraught, with territorial demands and military posturing continuing to block a resolution.
