US and Russia open talks to settle Ukraine war amid complex demands

Donald Trump (R) and Vladimir Putin (file photo)

The United States and Russia have formally agreed to initiate negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine, fulfilling President Trump’s pledge to seek an end to the conflict within 100 days, according to The New York Times. The diplomatic effort, however, is fraught with challenges, as Moscow pushes for territorial concessions and Kyiv demands a direct seat at the table.

High-stakes diplomacy unfolds

Talks have commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with top officials from both nations. Russia’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, veteran presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov, and investment banker Kirill Dmitriev. The US team is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and real estate mogul-turned-diplomat Steve Witkoff. While none of the US negotiators have formal diplomatic experience, Rubio and Waltz have long been engaged in foreign policy through Congress, The New York Times reported.

Both Washington and Moscow have agreed to appoint high-level teams dedicated to the negotiations, though no immediate plans for a Trump-Putin summit have been announced. A special US envoy will also be assigned to facilitate discussions, Russian officials confirmed to The New York Times.

Moscow’s demands: Borders, security, and sanctions relief

Russia’s primary objectives include recognition of its annexation of four Ukrainian provinces, a shift in Kyiv’s political alignment toward neutrality, and the lifting of US and European sanctions. Analysts suggest that Moscow may also seek to install a pro-Kremlin government in Kyiv, should a settlement materialize.

In addition, Russia opposes any NATO military presence in Ukraine, arguing that Western troops or security guarantees for Kyiv are unacceptable. These demands echo prior negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022, where Russia insisted on limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities, The New York Times noted.

Washington’s vision for peace

The Trump administration has stated that it seeks a peace deal ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty while preventing Russia from expanding its influence in Europe. A key US objective is to drive a wedge between Moscow and its growing alliance with China, North Korea, and Iran.

However, the administration appears willing to make concessions, particularly regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. Trump has described Ukraine’s accession as "impractical," a stance that complicates Kyiv’s long-term security aspirations, according to The New York Times.

Ukraine’s position: No peace without guarantees

President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated Ukraine’s unwillingness to accept a deal negotiated without its participation. While acknowledging that a full military victory is unlikely, Zelensky has expressed openness to limited territorial swaps but refuses to recognize Russia’s annexations.

A key sticking point for Kyiv is the presence of Western security guarantees. Ukraine insists that any settlement must include long-term commitments from the US and European allies, given the risk of future Russian aggression, The New York Times reported.

Military realities on the ground

Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory and continues to make gradual gains in the east, albeit with heavy casualties. Ukraine has ramped up domestic production of artillery and drones but remains heavily reliant on Western military aid. Meanwhile, North Korean troops have reportedly reinforced Russian positions in contested areas, further complicating the battlefield dynamics.

As negotiations continue, major questions remain over the future of Ukraine’s alliances, intelligence cooperation with the West, and whether the US is willing to push back against Russia’s broader geopolitical ambitions.