Russia Calls U.S. Peace Talks ‘Constructive’ as Kremlin
Rejects European Amendments
Miami, December 21, 2025 — Russia has described its
latest peace talks with the United States as “constructive,” even as the
Kremlin firmly rejected proposed amendments from European negotiators and
Ukraine aimed at reshaping the terms of a potential ceasefire.
Talks Resume in Florida
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with U.S. officials
in Miami over the weekend, calling the discussions “constructive” and
confirming they would continue through Sunday. The meetings are part of a
renewed push by the Trump administration to broker a peace deal before
Christmas, amid mounting pressure to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine
🇪🇺 European
Amendments Rejected
Despite progress in U.S.-Russia dialogue, the Kremlin has
pushed back against changes proposed by Ukraine and its European allies. Yuri
Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy aide, said the amendments “do not
improve the documents or enhance the prospects for achieving long-term peace,”
according to Russian state media
Ukraine Holds Firm
Ukraine has refused to accept any deal that involves
surrendering territory not already taken by force. President Zelensky has
called for broader consultations with European partners, while France and other
EU nations weigh their next moves should U.S.-led efforts stall
U.S. Officials Cautiously Optimistic
While the talks have been described as productive, U.S.
lawmakers remain skeptical. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that negotiators may
be “overestimating” Putin’s willingness to end the war, urging stronger
military support for Ukraine if diplomacy fails NBC
News.
