Putin Tells US Envoys Russia Seeks Victory in Ukraine
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Kyiv and Moscow but made no progress toward peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin told them Russia is making battlefield progress and must address the war's 'root causes,' a term analysts link to erasing Ukrainian sovereignty.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on Sunday after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The shuttle diplomacy trip, the first to include both capitals for the American duo, yielded no meaningful progress toward ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has repeatedly invited the envoys, called for a second visit to maintain momentum. He described some of their proposals as "actually very good, very worthy," with details to be announced later. These proposals are thought to include measures to limit attacks on energy infrastructure and grain shipments.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the war is likely to continue into 2027. He stressed the need for enhanced allied support this winter, specifically requesting interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems and increased energy supplies, including additional LNG deliveries from the United States.
Russia's Uncompromising Stance
Despite the diplomatic outreach, Putin conveyed a firm commitment to victory. Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin told the US envoys that Russia was making "real progress" on the battlefield and was confident of achieving its military objectives. Putin stressed the necessity of addressing "all the root causes of the conflict."
This reference to "root causes" signals Russia's objectives extend beyond current territorial demands. The Atlantic Council analysis states that Putin and other Kremlin officials have consistently indicated a goal to reassert Russian dominance over Ukraine and erase the notion of a separate Ukrainian national identity.
The Meaning of 'Denazification'
Putin's initial war aims of "demilitarization" and "denazification" remain central. While Ukraine has emerged as a strong military force since 2022, the Kremlin insists any peace deal must include extensive restrictions on the Ukrainian military.
The analysis argues that "denazification" is even more central. The Kremlin has demonized the entire Ukrainian state as a Nazi regime. In this context, "denazification" is understood as the complete eradication of Ukrainian sovereignty and national identity, with Kremlin media often using genocidal language toward Ukrainians.
A Kremlin Blueprint for Ukraine
A 2025 Kremlin memorandum, produced ahead of peace talks in Istanbul, spelled out Russia's vision. Alongside territorial concessions and military restrictions, it demanded specific internal changes within Ukraine.
The document called for granting the Russian language official state status, reinstating privileges for the Russian Orthodox Church, and adopting a Kremlin-friendly version of history. All so-called "nationalist" Ukrainian political parties would be banned, paving the way for a pro-Russian puppet regime.
The Atlantic Council analysis concludes that these measures, if implemented, would reverse decades of nation-building and end Ukrainian statehood. Putin's stance during the talks indicates he has no intention of ending the invasion and remains committed to maximalist goals incompatible with Ukraine's survival. The report frames the conflict as an attempt to reverse the Soviet collapse and revive the Russian Empire, arguing peace will only be possible when diplomatic efforts reflect this reality.
