President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that Russia would consider negotiations if Ukraine withdrew its forces from Russian-claimed territories.
Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy on Russia and Ukraine, hinted at the possibility of territorial concessions as part of future peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Kellogg acknowledged that while some demands are unrealistic, compromise could be crucial for negotiations.
“Certain concessions are unrealistic, but territorial adjustments are possible. This could involve commitments to refrain from the use of force, both now and in the future,” Kellogg explained.
He suggested that both Russia and Ukraine might need to make concessions in any talks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously suggested that Moscow would be open to an immediate ceasefire and peace talks if Ukraine withdrew its forces from the Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions, which Russia annexed following 2022 referendums. However, in August 2024, Putin rejected negotiations, citing Ukrainian military presence in Russia’s Kursk Region.
Kellogg also stressed the need to “break alliances” between Russia and North Korea, Iran, and China, which he claims have strengthened in recent years.
Earlier this week, Putin spoke with Trump by phone, marking the first known high-level direct communication between Moscow and Washington since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
According to the Kremlin, Trump supported a swift end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution, while Putin emphasized addressing the conflict’s root causes, agreeing that a long-term settlement could be achieved through negotiations. Following the call, President Trump stated on Truth Social that Washington and Moscow were immediately commencing discussions to end the fighting.
Russia hasn’t confirmed any details, but reports suggest a US delegation – possibly of national security officials – will travel to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian officials in the coming days.
Trump also mentioned that American and Russian officials might meet at the Munich conference, with Ukraine also invited. However, conference organizers and news outlets haven’t reported such a meeting.