Is a Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Finally Within Reach? |
Peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war are gaining new momentum. But how serious is the Kremlin?
As the war in Ukraine grinds into its fourth year, diplomatic activity around a possible settlement is quietly intensifying. Skepticism remains widespread in Washington and European capitals. In the latest episode of the Three Questions podcast, Paul Saunders speaks with Andrew Kuchins, a veteran Russia analyst, about whether recent US-led outreach could finally open a path toward ending the conflict, and what such an outcome would mean for Europe, Russia, and the United States.
Saunders frames the moment cautiously, hesitating to describe the effort underway as a formal negotiating process. Kuchins still argues that recent developments look “more promising” than in prior years. Among the most striking signals, he says, is the Kremlin’s decision to devote serious time and attention to the talks. “Vladimir Putin spent five hours in this meeting,” Kuchins notes. “He’s a busy guy. And for him to allocate so much time for this suggests that he is looking at this very seriously.”
One factor reshaping perceptions on both sides is the involvement of Jared Kushner. Ukrainians, Kuchins says, “don’t see Kushner as being as pro-Russian as Steve Witkoff appears to be in........