Unseen Talks, Unclear Terms, Behind the Ukraine Negotiations
There has been very little concrete information about the recent negotiations between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine conflict. What we’re seeing in the media is mostly speculation and political rhetoric, with little clarity on what’s actually being discussed behind closed doors. Given that the terms of these talks, especially any demands from Putin, are being kept private, it's impossible to truly assess what Ukraine's future will look like. For now, the public narrative is mostly just bluster and media fodder.
We know that Trump and Zelensky had a live disagreement, and it was clear that Trump wasn’t willing to commit to any long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump has been consistent in his stance of reducing U.S. military presence in Europe and has made it clear he would not support a permanent U.S. troop presence in Ukraine. The idea of such a commitment is unrealistic and contradicts his broader policy of pulling back from overseas military entanglements. If Europe feels threatened, it’s their responsibility to offer a permanent security solution, not the U.S.
Ukraine should be grateful for the support it has already received and recognize that any further requests for U.S. military commitments are unreasonable. The U.S. taxpayers have already shouldered a significant burden, and adding even more expense to our military budget—especially in a time of financial uncertainty—would be a hard sell. It's truly baffling how some fail to grasp just how close we are to a financial catastrophe.
As for the ongoing negotiations, there has been no public release of any specific demands from Putin recently. Much of the focus remains on speculation, particularly surrounding talks that have occurred behind the scenes. In 2024, there were reports of Russia's demands, including the ceding of territories like Donetsk and Luhansk and a request for Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations. However, with little transparency coming from the negotiations now, it’s unclear whether these demands have changed or if new ones have emerged. Trump has not shared any of the details of his discussions with Putin, so for now, we are left with only guesses and assumptions.
The situation remains tense, and Ukraine's sovereignty is at the center of the debate. But without knowing the full details of the negotiations, we cannot predict where this will all lead. Until there's more clarity, much of what’s being discussed publicly is just noise.
Following the Friday meeting, Trump reposted a commentary asserting that Ukraine's survival depended on accepting U.S. terms, reinforcing his stance that Zelensky would eventually agree to the deal.
A few questions
What do you think is the most pressing issue in the current negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine?
How much transparency should we expect from the U.S. government regarding the details of these behind-the-scenes negotiations?
Is it realistic for Ukraine to continue asking for U.S. military guarantees in the face of financial and political realities at home?
Do you believe that the U.S. should push for Europe to take a more active role in providing security for Ukraine? Why or why not?
Do you think Trump will negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine?"The U.S. taxpayers have already shouldered a significant burden, and adding even more expense to our military budget—
Only a small percentage of the overall aid package takes the form of cash transfers to Kyiv; the vast majority goes right back into the U.S. economy.
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/ho … ally-works
The UK has taken the lead in negotiating peace. I think they are better suited than Trump's team and will quickly hammer out a deal in which we will be asked to back.
" Through my discussions over recent days, we've agreed that the U.K., France and others will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting,
Starmer said, European leaders agreed it is important to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and security." Something Trump & Co. Weren't doing.
Starmer stressed the need to help Ukraine secure long-term peace, but also said that it cannot come at the expense of a "weak deal" that would allow Russia to "breach with ease."
This is what competent , common sense diplomacy looks like. I am relieved that the UK has taken the lead.
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/02/g-s1-515 … -coalition"What do you think is the most pressing issue in the current negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine?"
The most pressing issue is going to be getting Zelensky to accept that he will be forced to resign post-war, and that his country will be a parted out proxy to Russia and the USA. USA will provide security via proxy by placing American business assets and citizens in the region that Russia can't touch without aggressive consequences (much like we already have with our sparse research stations there), and Russia will do the same with their territories.
"How much transparency should we expect from the U.S. government regarding the details of these behind-the-scenes negotiations?"
When it comes to transparency and expecting it from the government, that's a dead end road. Even if they had the time to be 100% transparent on military and geopolitical matters, the public wouldn't even be able to comprehend let alone recall what was explained. We have more important matters to focus on with the American public, like salvaging and reforming social infrastructure to prevent its imminent collapse.
"Is it realistic for Ukraine to continue asking for U.S. military guarantees in the face of financial and political realities at home?"
Yes, anyone can continue to ask anyone for military guarantees. The world and its events are like water, it's all fluid. What we guarantee in front of a camera today will be changed behind closed doors every second thereafter. Let them ask, let them save face by offering on-screen guarantees, and hit them with reality in the negotiation room. Ukraine will be a proxy to both Russia and the USA, and Zelensky is simply doing the best he can to salvage the situation before going down with the ship like a good captain.
"Do you believe that the U.S. should push for Europe to take a more active role in providing security for Ukraine? Why or why not?"
If Europe stands to gain from the endeavor in the long-term, then they should take a more active financial role. However, on a personal level, I'd say that the only thing that matters to me is money in my pocket and a bettering of my communities. We approve and send billions to questionable endeavors while the social and economic infrastructure collapses around anyone beneath the upper class in our homeland. Whatever saves my country and promotes traditional values as the standard here, that is what I support.
"Do you think Trump will negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine?"
Trump will negotiate where and what he can, but our focus is on our economic growth from our military investments. We want to establish a private American presence with government ties within the borders of what will remain Ukraine. We offer no security guarantees to Ukraine outside of protecting our nationals who will live and work there supporting a mutual economic growth. It is ultimately upon Ukraine and Russia to end their war, and for us to remain as neutral as we can without facing net losses on our investments.Kyker, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and answer all my questions so thoroughly. You brought up a lot of insightful points, and I find myself agreeing with much of what you said. The limits of government transparency and the way military guarantees shift behind closed doors are spot on. I also agree that our financial priorities should focus more on stabilizing our own country rather than endless foreign commitments. Another pressing issue is the broader implications of U.S.-Russia negotiations on global energy markets—how these talks could impact oil, gas, and overall economic stability is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Thanks again for your time and well-thought-out responses!
"Starmer said the U.K. is prepared to deploy boots on the ground in Ukraine as well as air force assets to ensure Russia does not infringe on a peace agreement."
"Macron told French media that European leaders were discussing a plan that would freeze strikes from the air, sea and on energy infrastructure for 30 days in Ukraine. He said the window could be used to negotiate a wider peace deal."
Hopefully Europe will be able to get this deal underway. Trump promised to end this war before he took office. I think he has shown that he does not have the diplomatic skills necessary and has sidelined literally the only capable person in his cabinet, Lil Marco. Plus, Trump's vision aligns too closely with Moscow.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/uk-pri … tion-callsI see Trump’s approach as a strong negotiating tactic that forced European leaders and Ukraine to reassess their positions. From the beginning, the EU and UK knew he wouldn’t send troops—he’s focused on peace, economic gains, and reducing U.S. military commitments abroad. His firm stance left them with no leverage, and they quickly caved once he tossed Zelensky out of the White House.
I always thought they would. They realized fast that they had no cards to play after Trump made it clear he wasn’t footing the bill for their war. He’ll bring peace to Ukraine, not pay for it, and secure a great mineral deal in the process. And I’m sure he’ll keep his promise to pull our troops out of the EU and other nations, just as he campaigned on.
So, this is a good deal all around....His idea of "peace" is capitulating and appeasement toward Russia.
Your point doesn’t hold up given the current developments. Trump has the EU and the UK stepping up, just like he wanted, offering to send their troops to Ukraine, and paying to protect their continent..
And I’m pretty sure Trump will secure his mineral deal, which, by the way, is bound to anger Russia. I’m not sure how anyone can still argue that Trump is appeasing Russia—he’s actually got multiple countries sending troops, which has to be infuriating for Putin.
On top of that, Trump is likely walking away with valuable minerals that Russia certainly wants, while also helping make Ukraine richer. Yeah, all of this really seems to be appeasing Russia, doesn’t it? Pretty ridiculous.
Why do many hold on to the concept that Trump appeases Russia? I mean last time around he sanctioned the death out of them, shut down the building on one of their pipelines... And now this. Don't you think the line is getting not only old, but well proven to be untrue? Oh well, your view does share your thought process.
There were clear talks... there was a clear agreement and the reasons for it were to benefit Ukraine... Zelensky is an idiot, always has been, and when the idiot Biden was supporting him they could have their war and bomb Moscow...
But Biden and the Left are no longer in charge... Trump is not going to support this insane war, it was NEVER going to wrest Crimea from Russia without a World War to force it from them... which most likely would have ended civilization as we know it.
Anyways, listen to Victor, its not perfect, but it explains why Zelensky signing that agreement was critical for Ukraine... and now that Zelensky has crapped all over it, we will see what happens... but it won't be good for the Ukrainians:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wFx3WSVdm8Should Zelensky accept Putin's terms Ken? You've yet to answer that question with a yes or no. That is what has been placed in front of him.
Zelensky should have accepted the agreement placed in front of him by the Trump Administration, he chose to spit on it.
So Zelensky can now go do whatever he wants with his UK and EU allies... just keep our tax dollars and our military assets out of it.
And when they have thoroughly been defeated, and caused far more suffering on the Ukrainian people than they have already suffered, leave them to clean up the mess.
We have Cartels trafficking drugs and children across our borders to worry about, we have Venezuelan crime rings to clean out that Biden brought in, we have a Middle East that is still aflame, that too, thanks to Biden...
We have a budget that is spending trillions more than we have to spend.
So... if Ukraine wants to do its own thing... go for it... without our support.Ken, do we even know Putin's terms? I mean they were reported in 2024. But I have not read any terms in the failed negotiations from last week. Trump would not share anything he was getting from Putin in their phone calls, only that Zelensky would need to give some as would Putin. So, not sure any factual terms from recent negotiations have been shared. Hey, I like my facts live as we saw in the press conference Friday. Trump did tell Z he had no cards to play...
It is irrelevant what Putin's terms are... when Ukraine itself refuses to accept what we put in front of it, that is their right, and now they can go and fight on... without us.
This is the best outcome we could have hoped for. If EU nations choose to engage in a long-term conflict with Putin, that’s their decision. I’m just grateful we have a president who is finished with that mess. He has taken a stand for peace, believing that negotiations could work if both sides were willing to compromise—a sentiment he has expressed repeatedly. And yet, once again, some have twisted a good decision into something bad. They’re actually cheering for other nations to send troops into Ukraine. Between you and me, I have to wonder if they really will when it comes down to it.
When looking at the bigger... the global... picture...
Not the myopic perspective of America, Europe and Russia only...
And look at what we have done the last 35 years... since the fall of the USSR...
Our government, in collusion with some of the most nefarious foreign interests and financial conglomerations, has sewn what we are reaping today...
Be it greed or delusional misjudgment that drove our leaders to make China the most powerful industrial nation on the planet today... draining our intellectual properties as well as our industry...
While at the same time... pursuing a global war against former USSR ally nations (Iraq, Syria, Libya, etc.) while also interfering in Russian satellite state (Ukraine, Georgia) governments...
How insane does that 30 year foreign policy effort look now?
As Russia and China team up and shift numerous nations away from "the West" and to BRICS... as Russia, Iran, North Korea act as proxy nations against America... draining our wealth even faster as we fund wars in Ukraine and the Middle East...
Meanwhile Europe is being gutted economically, without cheap Russian energy and resources they are unable to compete against Chinese made products within their own nations, let alone on the global stage.
Europe doubles down on its tough talk against Russia... its like that 90 year old man that needs a walker to get around threatening to kick your ass... feeble and unable to recognize how completely incapable he is, totally out of touch with reality... delusional and suffering with dementia... much like our last president and his Administration was, no wonder they worked so well with EU leadership to create this incomprehensible irreversible effort to defeat Russia and reclaim Crimea.
I've posted Putin's terms several times. The Russian government has made no secret of these.
once again --- there are real quotes from Putin at all... "“Putin has articulated a theory of victory, however, that assumes that Russia can outlast Ukraine and the West and continue to advance on the battlefield until Russia defeats Ukraine,” the think tank says." Think tank--- LOL
From the same article....
"The Kremlin has ruled out a ceasefire in Ukraine unless Kyiv and the West agree to total capitulation, according to statements by top Russian officials on 24 February. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized that any peace agreement must reflect the “realities” of the battlefield and permanently bar Ukraine from NATO"
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reinforced Lavrov’s position, telling RIA Novosti that any ceasefire without addressing the war’s “root causes” would only lead to renewed conflict. He cited NATO’s post-1991 eastward expansion as a core issue, echoing previous Kremlin claims that Western policies triggered the war.".
The Kremlin continues to insist that Ukraine must withdraw from territories currently under Kyiv’s control in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. Ryabkov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s June 2024 demands – including Ukraine’s full retreat from these regions and permanent abandonment of NATO aspirations – constitute a “significant compromise” that should serve as a basis for future negotiations. Despite presenting these demands as “balanced,” Russia offers no reciprocal concessions.
And..
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Feb. 17 said there could be "no thought of" territorial concessions to Ukraine on the eve of talks with the U.S. over how to end Moscow's full-scale invasion.
https://kyivindependent.com/russias-lav … ace-talks/
And...
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia on Tuesday demanded NATO scrap its 2008 promise to one day give Ukraine membership of the U.S.-led NATO military alliance and dismissed the idea that NATO member forces could be keepers of the peace under some sort of ceasefire deal....
"A refusal to accept Kyiv into NATO is not enough now," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response to a question from Reuters.
"The alliance must disavow the Bucharest promises of 2008," she said in Moscow, referring to a NATO summit that year where both Ukraine and Georgia were told they could join the alliance,
After talks with the U.S. delegation in Riyadh, Lavrov told reporters that he and Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov had underscored that NATO membership for Ukraine was unacceptable to Russia.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-says- … 27791.html
They have a lot of demands don't they?
These are acceptable?
Oh and one more...
"He also dismissed the essence of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's proposal to send British and potentially other NATO member forces to Ukraine as peacekeepers, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's demands that Europe stop depending on the U.S. for its defence needs.
"We explained today that the appearance of armed forces from the same NATO countries, but under a false flag, under the flag of the European Union or under national flags, does not change anything in this regard," Lavrov said. "Of course this is unacceptable to us."
So Russia says no peacekeepers from NATO Nations either...also, Lavrov said he saw no role for Europe at the table...
Reasonable?
What else do they want while they're at it??As I mentioned, we haven't heard anything from Putin regarding the talks Trump initiated. At this point, June 24 is not acceptable, and no one speaks for Putin. Actually, we have no idea whatsoever what has gone on with the talks between Trump and Putin. We may never know. It appears there isn’t much more to discuss, and Trump seems to have moved on, happy to let the EU and UK handle the issue at this point.
It’s pretty much a dead issue now. There’s no real reason to rehash past events that no longer matter, especially now that the U.S. has moved on from the Ukraine war. I didn’t expect this altercation on Friday.
I did read Trump has ordered a temporary suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, demanding that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demonstrate a stronger commitment to peace negotiations with Russia. The freeze affects ongoing deliveries of critical military equipment to Ukraine, including munitions and guided multiple launch rocket systems. The Trump administration has indicated that the suspension aims to ensure that U.S. aid contributes to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. He wants peace, not war.
Vladimir Putin said Monday that he has NOT discussed resolving the conflict in Ukraine in detail with President Trump, and neither did Russian and American negotiating teams when they met last week in Saudi Arabia....
So what is Trump doing??
https://youtu.be/tn2ekTc8fFk?si=5Y-vcOI0OGohgG2fThe clip is cut because we have no idea who Putin is referring to when he makes mention of Riyadh and a phone call. There is no record of Donald Trump meeting Vladimir Putin in Riyadh ever. This is a clear media example of media manipulating an interview. Putin in no respect speaks of a personal phone call or any personal information that might have been shared between Trump and himself.
A personal phone call? Is there a readout of the call on our side? That would be protocol.
Putin is clear in the video. There's absolutely no manipulation of this.
Putin: "we certainly touched on issues related to the Ukrainian crisis.. however it was not discussed in essence. We only agreed that we would approach it"
More...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-mac … -1.7467205
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/puti … -in-detail
https://youtu.be/1po9vPSf7F0?si=k4a8L0XGubdknCSBI feel the context of the Transcript from AP cipher context, which is very clear in my view. Facts are always better than media articles. You seem to always be pulled in by bylines, and never dig deep enough. I feel the context of one's words is always the best way to go.
SHOTLIST:
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
++PLEASE NOTE: AP IS OPERATING IN RUSSIA ACCORDING TO RUSSIAN RESTRICTIONS ON ALL REPORTING RELATED TO THE ONGOING MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE++
RUSSIAN POOL
Novo-Ogaryovo, Russia - Released 24 February 2025
++INCLUDES WHITE FLASHES BETWEEN SOUNDBITES++
1. Mid of Russian President Vladimir Putin talking during interview
2.SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:
++STARTS ON WIDE++
"During the phone conversation and at the meeting in Riyadh we certainly touched on issues related to the Ukrainian crisis. However, it was not discussed in essence. We only agreed that we would approach it. That being said, of course, we are not rejecting the participation of European countries." (no idea who Putin was referring to. Trump did not attend the conference in Riyadh)
++WHITE FLASH++
3. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:
"Not only the Europeans but also other countries have the right and can participate (in the peace talks). We treat this with respect."
++WHITE FLASH++
4. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:
++INCLUDES SHOT CHANGE++
"The sitting president (U.S. President Donald Trump) HAS SAID that he wants to achieve peace as soon as possible, just as we do. However, the current head of the regime (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy) stands in the way of achieving this goal. This, as I see it, explains the U.S. president's position." (Again vague, not sure if Putin is commenting on information passed between Trump and himself)
++WHITE FLASH++
5. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:
++INCLUDES SHOT CHANGE++
"We could reach an agreement with the U.S. (on cutting defense budgets). We have no objections. I think it's a good idea. The U.S. would reduce it by 50%, and we would reduce it by 50%. And China could join later if it wishes. We believe this is a good proposal, and we are ready for discussions on this matter."
7. Wide of Putin talking
STORYLINE:
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that he has not discussed resolving the conflict in Ukraine IN DETAIL with President Trump, and neither did Russian and American negotiating teams when they met last week in Saudi Arabia. ( HE MADE NO MENTION IF HE HAS SPOKEN WITH TRUMP, BUT CONTEXT OF THE SENTENCE INDICATES HE HAS)
"We certainly touched on issues related to the Ukrainian crisis, however, it was not discussed in essence," said Putin. "We only agreed that we would approach it." (AGAIN the context indicates Putin spoke with Trump, and did touch on the Ukrainian crisis, and that it was not discussed in essence)
Putin also said Russia does not rule out European countries participating in a peace settlement.
"Not only the Europeans but also other countries have the right," said Putin.
Earlier Trump said he believed Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential deal to end the fighting and said he had asked Putin that question.
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Putin and senior Russian officials have previously indicated they will not accept Western forces in Ukraine.
Putin's comments were broadcast on Russian state television and it is unclear when they were filmed.
===========================================================Where is all of this from ??
Putin: "we certainly touched on issues related to the Ukrainian crisis.. however it was not discussed in essence. We only agreed that we would approach it"
"Putin's comments were broadcast on Russian state television and it is unclear when they were filmed."
AI may find it to be unclear but actually...
The interview was Feb 24, the anniversary of the Ukrainian war
https://youtu.be/1po9vPSf7F0?si=k4a8L0XGubdknCSB
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