Putin hosts Kushner and US envoy in Kremlin talks on Ukraine peace

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner at the Kremlin. This meeting is part of an initiative by the Trump Administration to establish a peace agreement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The details of the discussions were not disclosed by either side.

According to Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy advisor to President Putin, the meeting was described as "very useful, constructive, and highly substantive." Ushakov noted that the conversation extended over five hours, allowing for an in-depth exploration of potential collaborative efforts toward a long-term peaceful resolution in Ukraine.

Prior to this meeting, US officials had engaged in discussions with a Ukrainian delegation in Florida. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized those talks as “productive” but acknowledged that additional work remains necessary.

A peace plan supported by the US was recently made public, drawing criticism for being seemingly favorable to Moscow. The proposal included significant concessions, such as Ukraine relinquishing the Donbas region to Russia and abandoning its NATO membership aspirations. While negotiators have indicated alterations to the framework, specific changes have not been clarified.

On the same day, the Kremlin released a video purporting to show Russian troops displaying a flag in the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk. The authenticity of the video has not been verified, and Ukrainian officials have yet to comment. However, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated on Monday that combat operations in the area are ongoing.

Pokrovsk is strategically located along the eastern front line, part of the "fortress belt" in Donetsk, which is vital for Ukraine’s defense. This line includes heavily fortified cities such as Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, and Druzhkivka, essential for maintaining defense in the region.

Based on reporting by Africanews.