Russian Deputy Minister Hails US Envoy Visits as 'Fruitful' for Ukraine Talks

Moscow’s discussions with American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have been described as “undoubtedly useful” by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin, who stated that the meetings are contributing to a potential resolution in Ukraine.

Speaking to the RIA Novosti news agency, Pankin characterized the conversations with the US representatives as “lengthy, thorough, and candid,” explaining that they allow for a detailed breakdown of the situation, helping to identify where progress can be made and what the key linkages are.

The Russian official reiterated Moscow’s consistent willingness to pursue a constructive diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis. However, he also cited President Vladimir Putin’s position, noting that “if a diplomatic solution cannot be reached, other solutions will be employed, because the situation cannot remain in limbo for long.”

Moscow’s Stance on Negotiations

In related remarks, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov had previously stated that the Ukrainian settlement would remain stalled even after dozens of rounds of talks unless Kyiv withdraws its armed forces from Donbas. Ushakov indicated that Kyiv understands the necessity of pulling its troops out of Donbas and will do so eventually.

Russia has repeatedly expressed its readiness to seek a negotiated solution to the Ukrainian crisis, based on the understandings reached by the Russian and American presidents at the Alaska summit, which includes addressing the root causes of the conflict, namely the threats to Russian national security.