Is the End of the Ukraine War Imminent?

A senior Kremlin official said Thursday that Russia has received what it considers an acceptable proposal from the United States aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The statement follows a quiet but highly significant meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a US special envoy.

Yury Ushakov, a longtime aide to President Putin, described the talks with envoy Steve Witkoff as constructive and businesslike. He confirmed that the Kremlin is now reviewing a formal proposal submitted by the American delegation. While Ushakov did not disclose the contents of the proposal, he characterized it as serious enough to merit Russia’s consideration.

“There are still major issues to work through,” he told reporters, “but we have received a proposal from the Americans and we are ready to study it.”

The diplomatic breakthrough comes after months of deadlock between Moscow and Washington over the future of Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the talks from Washington, calling them “a good day” and suggesting that meaningful progress had finally begun. “We are definitely closer to a solution today than we were yesterday when we were nowhere near one,” Rubio said.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of finding a path forward that avoids escalation and opens the door to broader cooperation. Ushakov noted that bilateral relations between Russia and the United States could shift in a more positive and mutually beneficial direction if the talks continue on the current trajectory.

In a notable development, Ushakov hinted that a personal meeting between Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump could take place as soon as next week. Putin later mentioned the United Arab Emirates as a possible location for such a summit.