Kremlin envoy Kirill Dimitriev informed U.S. journalists that negotiations with Ukraine are moving forward “constructively,” even as Russian forces carried out a lethal missile attack on Odesa, Ukraine’s southern port city.
“The discussions are advancing constructively. They commenced earlier and will proceed today, and will also extend into tomorrow,” Dimitriev stated to reporters assembled Saturday for a Florida meeting.
Dimitriev held discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President ‘s son-in-law. This meeting followed the U.S. delegation’s completion of separate consultations with Ukrainian representatives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty regarding the status of peace negotiations during his Saturday press briefing.
“The crucial question remains how the United States will respond following consultations with the Russians. At this moment, I honestly don’t know, but I will have clarity later today,” he said.
Russia’s military operations against Ukraine have persisted without interruption despite the peace talks. A Saturday incident resulted in eight fatalities and 27 injuries.
noted on Friday that the nation’s “troops are advancing,” and expressed confidence that Russia would accomplish its objectives through military action if Ukraine refuses to accept its peace terms.
“Our forces are progressing along the entire line of contact, more quickly in some sectors and more slowly in others, but the enemy is retreating across all areas,” Putin declared Friday during his annual press conference.
“The objectives of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic methods,” he continued.
“However, if the opposing side and its foreign sponsors refuse to engage in meaningful dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands through military means,” Putin declared.
Russia’s peace conditions have thus far required Ukraine to surrender vast expanses of territory, including some areas not already under Russian occupation.