After unveiling a controversial 28-point draft peace plan, US-Russia talks failed to produce a breakthrough, even as Washington reportedly reached agreement with Kyiv on roughly 90% of the terms.
Tensions escalated soon after when Vladimir Putin claimed a Ukrainian drone had targeted his Valdai residence, an allegation swiftly debunked by the CIA. The episode briefly prompted President Trump to label Putin the “main obstacle to peace”.
Unresolved disagreements
On December 2, 2025, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a five-hour meeting with Putin at the Kremlin, described initially as “constructive.” The talks followed reports of a US-Russia 28-point draft proposal that drew sharp criticism from Kyiv and European allies for appearing overly favorable to Moscow.
Despite the tone, expectations were quickly tempered. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said “compromises have not yet been found,” confirming that key disagreements — particularly over territorial control in the Donbas— remain unresolved. Russia rejected revisions proposed by Ukraine and its Western backers.
Disputed drone claims
Tensions spiked in late December when Putin alleged that a Ukrainian drone had attacked his Valdai residence, using the claim to justify a harder negotiating stance.
US intelligence, however, reportedly concluded within 24 hours that no such attack had taken place. Ukrainian officials also dismissed the claim, with foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi calling the footage released by Moscow “laughable” and asserting that Kyiv was “absolutely confident” no attack occurred.
The incident briefly shifted Washington’s tone, with President Trump publicly describing Putin as the primary barrier to progress.
Escalation in Kherson
On January 1, 2026, Russian authorities accused Ukraine of carrying out a deadly drone strike in the occupied Kherson region, reportedly killing 27 people, including two children. The strike allegedly hit civilian sites in the resort village of Khorly.
Ukraine denied targeting civilians, stating its forces adhere strictly to international humanitarian law and focus only on military objectives. Ukrainian officials characterized Russia’s account as disinformation, pointing to what they described as a pattern of staged incidents aimed at undermining negotiations.
What happened next?
This event occurred just as President Zelenskyy announced that a peace deal brokered by the US was “90% ready”. Russian officials have used the incident to argue that Ukraine is attempting to “sabotage” the negotiations.
Ukrainian intelligence warns that Russia may be preparing further “provocations” to gain leverage in the upcoming trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi.
