UPDATE: President Donald Trump has confirmed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner held a “reasonably good meeting” with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 2, 2025, in Moscow. This urgent update comes as the world watches for potential breakthroughs in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “What comes out of that meeting? I can’t tell you,” emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the discussions. He revealed that both Witkoff and Kushner left with the impression that Putin is eager to negotiate an end to the war, which has resulted in devastating losses for both sides. “He would like to end the war,” Trump remarked.
Despite the positive tone, no immediate breakthroughs were reported from the lengthy negotiations. Russian officials, including Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, indicated that while some American proposals were acceptable, critical points remained contentious. “So far no compromise option has been found,” Ushakov stated, revealing the complexities of the discussions.
In a bid to keep the momentum going, Witkoff and Kushner have invited Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov to Miami for further peace talks this Thursday. This invitation underscores the urgent need for dialogue as Ukraine grapples with the ramifications of the invasion.
Geopolitical experts warn that the peace plan hinges on two critical issues: territorial concessions and security guarantees. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, not part of the delegation, acknowledged “some progress” but stressed that much work remains. “We’re still not close enough,” he noted, highlighting the sticking point of Russia’s demand for Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region.
As the situation develops, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with European leaders in Brussels to discuss the implications of the meeting, reflecting the urgent global interest in this peace process. Following these discussions, Umerov and military chief Andrii Hnatov will prepare for meetings with U.S. envoys, further indicating a concerted effort to find a resolution.
The outcome of these negotiations is crucial not only for Ukraine but for international relations as a whole. Experts like John Hardie from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies emphasize that the Kremlin must be willing to compromise for peace to be achieved. “Until that changes, President Trump’s diplomatic efforts are unlikely to produce a deal,” he stated.
The world watches closely as these talks unfold, with the hope that meaningful dialogue can pave the way for lasting peace. “Ultimately, it’s going to be up to them,” Rubio concluded, stressing the importance of both Ukraine and Russia reaching a settlement.
As developments continue, the urgency for a resolution grows stronger. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.
