KYIV – Peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have hit a serious deadlock, as Russian president Vladimir Putin continues to demand international recognition of four partially occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian land. This intransigence has cast doubt over US President Donald Trump’s push for a ceasefire agreement, according to information reported by Bloomberg and confirmed by sources in Moscow.
Putin’s firm position has undermined Trump’s attempt to secure a thirty day ceasefire, a plan which the former US president is pursuing amidst growing frustration within the White House. Senior American officials, including Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, have reportedly engaged in prolonged discussions with Russian officials in the Kremlin. These talks took place on Friday 25 April, with Witkoff urging Russia to accept a temporary halt in hostilities based on current front lines. However, Putin remained unmoved, holding fast to his ambitions of territorial gain within Ukraine.
Two sources familiar with the matter said the discussions have effectively reached a standstill. The Russian leader’s continued demands for the annexation of Ukrainian land to be formalised within any peace agreement have made it difficult for negotiators to find a workable compromise. The regions in question — partially occupied and forcefully annexed by Russia — are internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory.
The Biden administration previously maintained pressure on the Kremlin through sanctions and military support to Ukraine, and despite Trump’s less interventionist stance, US officials are still pushing behind the scenes. James Hewitt, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, said, “We do not comment on ongoing discussions. We continue to make progress with both Ukraine and Russia to bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials insist that only increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia can bring about real results. The National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine stated that sanctions remain a critical tool for weakening Putin’s position and defending Ukrainian sovereignty.
