Ukraine’s drive to join NATO has emerged as a central point of contention in the latest round of indirect peace diplomacy, with the Kremlin confirming that the issue dominated nearly five hours of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow.
The development comes as Putin publicly doubled down on his pledge to “liberate” the entire Donbas region by force if necessary, while US and Ukrainian negotiators prepare to meet again in Florida to assess whether any progress is possible toward ending the nearly three-year-long war.
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said Wednesday (December 3, 2025) that discussions with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner produced “no compromise” on the core disputes shaping the conflict, including territory and security guarantees.
How Ukraine’s NATO bid dominated talks?
But Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, long rejected by Moscow but viewed in Kyiv as essential to deterring future aggression, were a “key question” in the talks. According to Ushakov, the American side signaled willingness to consider Russian “concerns and key proposals,” though he offered no detail.
The Moscow meeting marked one of the most substantial exchanges between Russian and US officials since the invasion began. Yet both sides acknowledged that they remain far apart.
US President Donald Trump described the talks as “reasonably good,” but warned, “it does take two to tango.” Moscow insisted the discussions remain confidential, and Ushakov said no deal is in sight.
Why did Putin escalate rhetoric on Donbas?
As diplomacy stumbled, Putin sharpened his territorial demands. In an interview with Indian media ahead of his visit to New Delhi, he declared that Russia would seize Donbas, and what he termed Novorossiya, “by military or other means.”
He reiterated that victory would come only when Russia “achieves the goals set at the beginning of the special military operation,” namely the full capture of territory that Moscow claims to have annexed but does not entirely control.
How could a settlement mean Ukraine’s withdrawal?
The comments underscore Russia’s insistence that any settlement require Ukraine to withdraw its troops from occupied areas, a demand Kyiv rejects outright. US officials also acknowledge territorial issues remain among the most contentious elements of the draft American peace framework circulated last month.
Despite Putin’s assertive tone, independent analysts note that Russia’s military advances remain grinding and slow. The Institute for the Study of War estimated that, at the current pace, Russian forces would not fully seize the Donetsk region until 2027.
What will happen in Florida talks?
While Putin met the US delegation in the Kremlin, Ukrainian officials prepared for their own round of talks with Washington. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security chief, and Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff, are flying to Miami to meet Witkoff and other US officials on Thursday (December 4).
Their objective, Kyiv says, is to understand exactly what was discussed in Moscow and to ensure no agreement is shaped “behind Ukraine’s back.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that “there will be no easy solutions,” but added the world now senses “a real opportunity” to push toward ending the war, provided there is sustained pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian diplomats remained wary. Kyiv’s ambassador to Washington said there had been “not too much progress,” while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia accused Putin of “wasting the world’s time.”
Why is Europe wary as US–Russia contacts intensify?
The flurry of US–Russia diplomacy has unsettled European partners, many of whom fear Washington may entertain proposals that compromise Ukraine’s long-term security.
European capitals continue to insist that NATO membership, or at minimum binding security guarantees, must be part of any sustainable peace. Trump has repeatedly signaled he opposes bringing Ukraine into the alliance.
Meanwhile, European Union states have advanced plans to raise tens of billions of euros for Ukraine’s wartime budget and reconstruction needs, while moving to eliminate dependence on Russian gas by 2027.
As the Florida meeting approaches, both Moscow and Washington say diplomacy will continue “as many times as needed.” Still, as Putin signals readiness to escalate militarily and Ukraine refuses to concede territory or NATO aspirations, the prospects for a breakthrough remain remote—at least for now.