Ukraine’s NATO Bid Central to Talks with US Delegation, Says Kremlin Aide
No breakthrough on peace talks as Russia, US discuss key security concerns; Kyiv awaits clarity
Russian, Dec 04 : President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with a visiting US delegation in Moscow placed Ukraine’s push for NATO membership at the center of discussions, a senior Kremlin aide confirmed on Thursday.
Putin’s top adviser Yury Ushakov said the nearly five hour talks with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner produced no major breakthrough on advancing peace efforts in Ukraine, but the issue of Kyiv’s NATO aspirations was a “key question” throughout the dialogue, according to Al Jazeera.
Ushakov said US officials indicated a willingness to consider Russia’s “key proposals,” though he stressed that Moscow remains firmly opposed to Ukraine joining the Western military alliance a stance Russia describes as a core security concern.
No compromise on territorial disputes
The Kremlin aide noted that both sides reviewed potential pathways toward a political settlement. However, he emphasised that “no compromise” was reached on territorial issues, one of the most contentious elements of the conflict.
“We are no closer to resolving the crisis in Ukraine, and there is much work to be done,” Ushakov said, adding that discussions stretched late into Wednesday night. Senior Russian officials, including investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, participated in the deliberations.
Ushakov said the American side presented fresh proposals, but significant disagreements persisted—particularly around Ukrainian territory. He underscored that the talks were confidential and that both delegations agreed not to disclose specific proposals.
Trump briefed; more communication planned
Ushakov confirmed that Putin asked Witkoff to convey “important political signals” directly to US President Donald Trump, with further exchanges between Washington and Moscow expected.
In Washington, Trump described the engagement as “reasonably good,” while acknowledging that the situation remains “not easy.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the delegation’s mission aimed to refine the American peace framework to address concerns raised by Ukraine and European governments.
Kyiv expects transparency
Reacting to news of the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking in Dublin, stressed the need for openness, saying Kyiv must not be left out of critical decisions.
“There will be no easy solutions. It is important that everything is fair and open, so that there are no games behind Ukraine’s back,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine expects immediate briefings from the US side.
As diplomatic efforts continue, all sides acknowledge that meaningful progress remains elusive, even as Ukraine’s NATO ambition continues to shape the contours of the negotiations.
