56 mins ago
Putin Calls War Situation ‘Not Simple’ as US Talks Begin
Russian President Vladimir Putin met two American envoys to discuss the war in Ukraine.
He said the problem was “not simple.”
The envoys planned to visit Ukraine after meeting in Moscow.
Russia and Ukraine discussed temporarily stopping some attacks.
Ukraine said it would avoid strikes on Moscow, and Russia was expected to do the same regarding Kyiv.
However, air-raid sirens still sounded in Kyiv, and an attack in western Ukraine injured four people.
People close to Russia and Ukraine said they did not expect a major breakthrough.
Some analysts nevertheless believed the talks could restart serious diplomacy.
A European Union official said Europe still wanted to give Ukraine what it needs to defend itself.
Russian President Vladimir Putin began Kremlin talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on September 6, 2026.
Putin ordered a pause in Russian airstrikes on Kyiv, while Ukraine said it was prepared to halt strikes on Moscow through Monday.
The envoys were expected to travel to Kyiv, their first visit there since the war began.
Russian and Ukrainian sources expressed low expectations, citing disagreements over territorial and economic proposals.
Analysts said renewed US engagement could create diplomatic momentum, while a European Union diplomat urged stronger support for Ukraine.
- Who
- Russian President Vladimir Putin, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and US President Donald Trump.
- What
- US-Russian talks began over proposals to end the war in Ukraine, alongside discussion of a temporary halt in strikes.
- Where
- The talks began at the Kremlin in Moscow, with a subsequent visit planned to Kyiv.
- When
- The meeting began on September 6, 2026; the proposed pause covered Saturday through Monday, and the envoys planned to visit Kyiv on Sunday.
- Why
- The US envoys were carrying a proposal to end the war and sought to advance negotiations amid escalating hostilities.
Diplomatic Engagement
Skepticism and Continued Pressure
Prospects for negotiations
Diplomatic Engagement
Some analysts said the talks were timely and could give fresh momentum to efforts to reach mutually acceptable terms, particularly after a gap in US engagement.
Skepticism and Continued Pressure
People close to the Kremlin and Kyiv said expectations were low, citing earlier failed visits and continued disagreement over proposals.
Conditions for ending the war
Diplomatic Engagement
The US envoys were presented as bringing a proposal to end the war, and Washington’s continued involvement was seen as potentially important.
Skepticism and Continued Pressure
People familiar with Moscow’s thinking said Putin was prepared to stop the war only on his own terms and that Russia’s demands were becoming tougher.
Ukraine’s security and diplomacy
Diplomatic Engagement
Ukraine said it wanted the planned visit to be constructive and substantive and indicated readiness for a temporary halt in strikes.
Skepticism and Continued Pressure
The European Union’s ambassador criticized traveling to Moscow before Kyiv and said Europe’s priority remained providing Ukraine with what it needs to defend itself.
Key facts
- Meeting location
- The initial talks took place in the Kremlin in Moscow.
- US envoys
- Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner represented the United States.
- Proposed pause
- Ukraine said it would refrain from strikes on Moscow through Sunday and Monday, while Russia was expected to halt strikes on Kyiv.
- Planned Ukraine visit
- Witkoff and Kushner planned to travel to Kyiv on Sunday, their first visit there since the war began.
- Reported casualties
- An attack in Khmelnyskyi reportedly injured four people.
- US proposal
- Donald Trump said the envoys were carrying a proposal to end the war but did not provide details.
- European position
- EU ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė said Europe’s priority remained giving Ukraine what it needs to defend itself.
Quotes
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
“From the moment of this conversation, we are ready to observe a ceasefire in airstrikes against the cities involved in the negotiation process. From now through the end of Saturday, as well as on Sunday and Monday, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow, and we expect the Russians to do the same regarding Kyiv.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Diplomacy actually works, and we have to try to make sure that we talk first to those who are our allies.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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