Putin Accused of ‘Wasting World’s Time’ After US-Russia Peace Talks Hit Stalemate

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of “wasting the world’s time” following recent high-level talks between the United States and Russia that concluded without significant progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Sybiha emphasized that Russia must halt the hostilities it initiated, warning of “consequences” if Putin continues to defy global efforts for peace. Despite the lack of a breakthrough, Sybiha relayed that the US delegation deemed the discussions to be of “positive significance for the peace process” and extended an invitation for Ukrainian officials to continue dialogue in the United States soon.

Millenium TV has learned that President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, engaged in nearly five hours of talks with President Putin at the Kremlin earlier this week. The White House later confirmed that a “thorough, productive meeting” had taken place, with Trump receiving a briefing from the envoys. These discussions followed several days of US meetings with Ukrainian and European leaders amidst concerns that any potential peace agreement might unduly favor Russia’s demands. Little substantial progress was reported in reconciling the positions of Moscow and Kyiv during the Kremlin talks.

Yuri Ushakov, a senior policy adviser to President Putin, stated that “no compromise” had been reached on ending the war. He noted that some US proposals appeared “more or less acceptable” but required further discussion, while others faced outright criticism from the Russian leader. Although specific details were not provided, at least two major disagreements persist: the status of Ukrainian territory seized by Russian forces and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Kyiv and its European allies advocate for Ukraine’s membership in NATO as the most effective deterrent against future Russian aggression, even if a peace deal is achieved. Russia, however, vehemently opposes this, and President Trump has repeatedly indicated his disinclination to allow Kyiv into the alliance. The Kremlin confirmed that the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO was a “key question” addressed during the Moscow discussions.

Ushakov suggested that recent military gains on the battlefield had bolstered Russia’s negotiating stance. He remarked that Russian soldiers had “helped make the assessments of our foreign partners regarding the paths to a peace settlement more appropriate.”

Ahead of the US visit, President Putin was reportedly seen in army fatigues at a Russian command post, receiving updates from commanders claiming the capture of Pokrovsk, a crucial strategic city in eastern Ukraine, along with nearby settlements. While fighting continues in Pokrovsk and Russian forces do not fully control the city, Russian officials appear convinced that their message of military success has resonated with the United States. Russian forces have made incremental advances in the east, intensifying their campaign in recent weeks. Data indicates they gained approximately 701 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in November, now controlling 19.3% of the nation. The Kremlin reiterated that President Putin is prepared to meet with American representatives “as many times as needed.”

While Russian-American relations seemingly grow more cordial, the divide between Moscow and Europe continues to expand. Putin has accused European nations of undermining Russia’s ties with the US, presenting unacceptable demands, and impeding the peace process. Shortly before meeting Witkoff and Kushner, Putin declared at a Moscow forum that while he did not seek conflict with Europe, he was “ready for war.”

Officials in the United Kingdom dismissed Putin’s statements as “yet more Kremlin claptrap from a president who isn’t serious about peace.” In Brussels, NATO foreign ministers convened, with Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledging the positive aspect of ongoing peace talks but underscoring the necessity of ensuring Ukraine remains in “the strongest position to keep the fight going.”

Millenium TV can confirm that European Union member states have reached an agreement with members of the European Parliament aimed at achieving complete independence from Russian gas by the close of 2027. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen heralded this as “the dawn of a new era.” The agreement stipulates a ban on long-term gas pipeline contracts with Russia from September 2027 and long-term contracts for liquefied natural gas from January 2027. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen stated, “We’ve chosen energy security and independence for Europe. No more blackmail. No more market manipulation by Putin. We stand strong with Ukraine.”

The Commission is also proposing to raise €90 billion to support Ukraine’s military and essential services throughout the ongoing conflict. This plan involves either Belgium agreeing to a “reparations loan” utilizing frozen Russian assets held in a Brussels financial institution, or funding through international borrowing. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko welcomed the proposal, noting it would cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s financing requirements for the next two years. However, Belgium has resisted the use of frozen assets on its territory due to concerns over potential legal repercussions from Moscow, a stance echoed by the European Central Bank (ECB), which stated it would not act as a backstop for such a loan. The proposed loan is smaller than the initial €140 billion planned, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul affirmed support for the initiative while taking Belgium’s concerns seriously.