Putin Claims Gains in Pokrovsk as US Envoy Arrives in Moscow for Talks
Moscow,Russia – As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged “some advances” by Russian forces,President Vladimir Putin asserted his troops have taken control of the key city of Pokrovsk,a frontline hub seen as a gateway to Donetsk. The claim came Tuesday, coinciding with the arrival of Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Donald Trump, in Moscow for discussions with Russian officials.
Russia has been attempting to seize Pokrovsk for over a year, sustaining significant losses in the process.Ukrainian analysts and military bloggers have confirmed Russian forces now largely control the city, a advancement acknowledged by Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Despite acknowledging Russian offensive actions, Zelenskyy maintained that “none of these operations has been successful.”
Witkoff’s visit, accompanied by Jared Kushner, follows meetings with Ukrainian officials in Florida regarding a potential negotiated settlement. The discussions center around a revised 28-point peace plan initially developed in earlier US-Russia contacts, a proposal that reportedly favored Moscow in its original form. Zelenskyy stated the updated version “looks better,” but cautioned that negotiations are ongoing.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Putin and Witkoff will discuss the “understandings” reached between Washington and Kyiv,reiterating Russia’s openness to talks while insisting on achieving the goals of its “special operation.” These goals include considerable demands that would considerably curtail Ukraine’s sovereignty,encompassing limitations on its armed forces,a prohibition on Western military aid,restrictions on political independence,and the cession of Ukrainian territory in the east.
Russian state media has adopted a confident tone ahead of the US visit. Komsomolskaya Pravda,frequently enough described as “Putin’s favorite newspaper,” suggested Putin’s remarks indicated ”more and more Ukrainian territory is coming under our control – and that next time Russia’s terms might potentially be tougher.” The paper also claimed the US-Ukrainian talks are failing, alleging kyiv is refusing to concede.
Putin has signaled Russia’s readiness to continue military operations if diplomatic efforts stall, asserting his forces remain on the offensive. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy continued efforts to secure European support, traveling to Ireland on Tuesday for further meetings.
Analysts remain skeptical about the prospects for substantial progress in the talks, believing significant changes to the original peace plan are unlikely to be accepted by the Kremlin.
