Kremlin-Washington talks conclude after reportedly productive meeting between US, Russian diplomats

Russian President Vladimir Putin held over three hours of talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow on Saturday, described as "highly useful" by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. The American diplomats, representing President Donald Trump, presented "a number of ideas regarding possible avenues for a settlement" to the Ukraine war. Putin, who praised Trump's peace efforts, stated Russia was making "real progress" on the battlefield and stressed addressing "all the root causes of the conflict." Beyond the war, discussions also covered economic issues and potential Russian-American projects. The US envoys, who flew out after the meeting, are scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Sunday. Despite the talks, a significant gap remains between Russia and Ukraine on ending the conflict, with Russia's position on territorial concessions described as "unshakeable."