World News
Putin rejects direct negotiations with Ukraine while welcoming U.S. mediators
The Russian president accused Ukraine of state terrorism amid escalating strikes on Kyiv, even as he voiced openness to U.S. envoys.
The short version
- Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected direct peace talks with Ukraine, accusing the country of state terrorism.
- Putin praised U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stating they remain welcome in Moscow.
- The remarks coincided with intensifying Russian strikes on Kyiv, clouding prospects for an impending peace agreement.
Key facts
- Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled Ukraine's actions as state terrorism and declared that he would not negotiate with terrorists.[The Washington Post]
- Putin stated during an early morning news conference that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are always welcome in Moscow.[The Washington Post]
- The statements occurred as Russian forces intensified strikes on Kyiv.[The Washington Post]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unclear whether U.S. mediation efforts will proceed or yield any diplomatic path forward given Moscow's refusal to deal directly with Kyiv.[The Washington Post]
Sources
- Putin says he won’t deal with Ukrainian ‘terrorists’ but praises U.S. mediatorsThe Washington Post - World metered