A senior Kremlin official has played down the prospects of a major breakthrough in peace talks over Ukraine, as discussions between U.S. and Russian envoys continue for a second consecutive day.
Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, told journalists in Moscow on December 21 that Russia’s chief negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, would simply return to Russia and submit a report.
“The Americans are celebrating Christmas these days. There won’t be many people working,” Ushakov said.
He also dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that Washington had proposed trilateral talks.
“So far, no one has seriously discussed this initiative and, to my knowledge, there is no work being done on it,” Ushakov said, adding that Dmitriev is holding talks only with U.S. officials.
No Putin–Trump Phone Call
The talks in Florida follow a week of intense diplomatic activity, during which U.S. representatives met with European and Ukrainian officials.
In November, former U.S. President Donald Trump began pressuring Kyiv to accept a 28-point proposal that critics said favored Russia. Ukraine and its European allies rushed to amend the plan to protect Ukraine’s territorial interests, security guarantees, and other key issues. Reports suggest the proposal has now been reduced to 20 points and reflects more of Kyiv’s demands.
“I am confident that the proposals made, or attempted, by Europeans and Ukrainians certainly do not improve the document and do not increase the chances of achieving lasting peace,” Ushakov said.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on December 21 that there are no plans for a phone call between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, “but it could be arranged quickly if necessary.”
Peskov added that Putin will meet Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko—considered a key ally and potential communication channel with Washington—during diplomatic events in St. Petersburg on December 21–22. Putin is also expected to hold meetings with the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
On December 20, after the first day of talks in Florida, Dmitriev described the discussions between Russia and the United States as “constructive.”
All parties involved in the U.S.-mediated peace process have frequently mentioned “progress” or made similar assessments without providing details.
The White House has not commented on the talks, although Reuters, citing an unnamed U.S. official, reported that the discussions had concluded for the day.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are believed to be representing Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously said he might participate in the weekend talks, but no further details were provided.
The discussions in the United States represent the latest step in Trump’s efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and is approaching its fourth year.
Ahead of the Florida talks, Rubio insisted that Washington would not force either side into an agreement.
“We cannot force Ukraine to make a deal. We cannot force Russia to make a deal. They have to want a deal themselves,” he said.
“I think we’ve made progress [in the process], but we still have a long way to go. And, obviously, the hardest issues are always left for last,” the U.S. Secretary of State added.
While details of the plans under discussion remain unclear, general frameworks reportedly envisage Ukraine making territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.
These statements come amid another week of heightened diplomatic and military activity, as Russia continues strikes on civilian, infrastructure, and military targets in Ukraine, while Kyiv attempts to hold ground in the east and responds with attacks on what it says are key military targets inside Russia.
During the week, U.S. envoys held talks with European and Ukrainian officials, and an EU summit approved a $106 billion loan package for Kyiv. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin held a four-and-a-half-hour press conference, reiterating his demands alongside disputed claims of battlefield advances.
