Putin Rejects Trump Envoys, Calculating Geopolitical Advantage Amid Stalled Ukraine War

Kushner’s five-hour meeting brings no breakthrough as Kremlin waits for shifting global politics

Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured at the talks with US envoys in Moscow on December 2, 2025, has not compromised on Russia's objectives.

Dateline: KYIV, Ukraine

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Jared Kushner, returned from Moscow with no progress after a five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions highlighted that Putin is in no hurry to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.

Analysts say Putin used the meeting to evaluate what a possible second Trump presidency might mean for Russia.

The Kremlin views itself in a stronger position now and sees no need to make concessions.

"Putin does not want a deal on fair terms. He enjoys being approached—it makes him feel stronger," said a senior Eastern European diplomat familiar with the talks.

The war, launched by Russia in 2022, turned into a long and brutal conflict. Ukraine pushed back strongly with U.S. and NATO support, forcing Russia into difficult positions at several points.

But the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House has shifted the strategy. Trump’s soft stance toward Putin and desire for a fast peace deal — possibly unfavorable for Ukraine — gives Moscow new confidence.

Experts say Putin is simply waiting: for Western support to weaken, for political changes, and for a deal that locks in Russia’s territorial gains.

Unlike Western leaders, Putin faces no real elections and can stay in power indefinitely, giving him the freedom to wait for years.

The Kushner meeting shows Putin sees more benefit in delaying peace negotiations. He hopes to gain a stronger position not on the battlefield, but through global political shifts.