Russian President Vladimir Putin held a three-hour and 10-minute meeting with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow to discuss efforts aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
Ushakov described the discussions as substantive, constructive and unusually candid, saying the meeting was conducted in a trusting atmosphere.
“The meeting lasted more than three hours, or more precisely, 3 hours and 10 minutes,” Ushakov said.
Ukraine settlement dominates discussions
The talks focused on efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, with the US delegation travelling to Moscow as part of an ongoing diplomatic channel between Washington and the Kremlin.
Ushakov said the discussions covered “extremely serious issues” and continued beyond the formal negotiating table, including during an informal dinner.
The Kremlin has portrayed the meetings as part of continued efforts to explore potential pathways toward a settlement of the conflict.
Witkoff and Kushner make eighth visit to Russia
Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow on September 5 following instructions from US President Donald Trump to continue dialogue over the Ukraine crisis and address other pressing issues between the two countries.
According to Ushakov, the latest trip marked the US representatives’ eighth visit to Russia.
The repeated visits underscore Washington’s continued engagement with Moscow as diplomatic efforts over the war remain ongoing.
Putin praises the US negotiating channel
Ushakov said Putin openly praised the intermediary channel established through the American negotiators at the beginning of the meeting.
The Russian president also conveyed his best wishes to Trump, according to the Kremlin aide, while thanking the US president for his efforts to advance negotiations over Ukraine.
Putin also expressed appreciation for what Ushakov described as Trump’s sincere desire to help achieve mutually acceptable outcomes as quickly as possible.
Informal discussions continued after formal talks
The Kremlin’s description of the meeting suggests that the discussions extended beyond formal negotiations.
Ushakov said serious issues were discussed both at the working table and later in an informal setting over dinner, highlighting what Moscow characterised as a direct and open exchange between the Russian president and the American representatives.
No detailed account of the specific proposals or areas of disagreement discussed during the meeting was provided.
Washington and Moscow maintain diplomatic engagement
The meeting comes as US and Russian officials continue exploring diplomatic options surrounding the Ukraine conflict despite significant differences between Moscow and Kyiv over the terms of any potential settlement.
The Kremlin’s account presents the latest meeting as a constructive step in maintaining direct communication between Russia and the United States.
However, the outcome of the discussions and whether they will produce concrete progress toward a wider agreement remain to be seen.
