Russia says Ukraine peace talks proceeding constructively as Kremlin launches deadly strike on Odesa
Peace talks continue amid an Odesa attack that killed eight, as Zelenskyy questions timing and the United States weighs its response to Moscow's proposals.
Russia says Ukraine peace talks are proceeding constructively, even as Moscow launched a deadly missile strike on Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa on Saturday. Eight people were killed and 27 were wounded in the attack, Ukrainian officials said.
Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev told reporters in Florida that discussions with Ukraine began earlier and would continue Saturday and Sunday, calling the talks constructive. He said he had met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff as well as Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, and noted that the United States had held separate talks with Ukrainian representatives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed apprehension about where the talks stood, telling reporters that the key question remains how the United States will respond after consultations with the Russians. "The key question remains how the United States responds after consultations with the Russians. At this point, I honestly don’t know, but I will know later today," Zelenskyy said.
Putin, in a Friday appearance at his annual news conference, said Russian troops are advancing across the front line and that the goals of the "special military operation" will be achieved, while adding that Moscow would prefer to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means. "Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact, faster in some areas or slower in some others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors," Putin said. "The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved." He warned that if Ukraine and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia would achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means.
Observers note that Moscow's peace terms have so far called for Ukraine to cede large swaths of territory, including areas not yet under Russian occupation, a point that complicates prospects for a rapid settlement as fighting continues.