Putin calls US talks on Ukraine 'useful' but no breakthrough

Russian President Vladimir Putin held over three hours of "highly useful" talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on a Ukraine peace deal, a Kremlin aide said, without indicating any breakthrough. The envoys outlined settlement ideas, but no details were given. Putin reiterated Russia's battlefield progress and stressed addressing "root causes," while economic and bilateral projects were also discussed. The pair left Russia and will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. The visit marked the envoys' first since January, with Putin praising President Trump's efforts. A vast gulf remains, as Russia demands territorial concessions and Ukraine refuses to surrender land, while both sides have intensified long-range strikes.