Overview
- Ukraine’s chief negotiator Kyrylo Budanov said talks with Russia are moving toward a possible peace agreement and may not take long.
- Two people described as close to the Kremlin said there has been little concrete progress and that talks are stuck on security guarantees for Ukraine.
- Budanov credited mediation by President Trump’s team and said Ukraine expects envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to visit, though a date is not set.
- He argued Russia has reason to deal because it is spending its own money on the war in what he called the trillions, and he said strikes on Russian oil terminals are shaping the talks.
- He said both sides began with maximalist demands but are edging toward a compromise with no territorial terms decided.