State of the World from NPR What are the Results of U.S. talks in Russia to end the war in Ukraine?
Dec 3, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Charles Maynes, NPR's Moscow correspondent, shares his on-the-ground insights about U.S. talks in Moscow and Putin's strategic framing of the conflict. Terri Schultz reports on the European reaction to the absence of the U.S. Secretary of State at a key NATO meeting, raising concerns about U.S. commitment. Former NATO ambassador Julianne Smith analyzes the implications of this absence and suggests potential U.S. leverage like sanctions to influence Russia's stance on negotiations. The complexities of achieving a peace deal are vividly unraveled.
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No Deal Yet After Lengthy Moscow Talks
- The Moscow talks were described as constructive but produced no deal and mixed agreement on points.
- Charles Maynes says Russia accepted some proposals but rejected others, so negotiations remain unresolved.
Putin Pushes U.S.-Europe Rift
- Vladimir Putin framed Russia's battlefield gains and accused Europe of undermining U.S. peace efforts.
- Charles Maynes interprets this as an attempt to drive a wedge between the U.S. and Europe over the plan.
Territory And Security Are Core Sticking Points
- Major sticking points are territory and security guarantees that Ukraine demands before ceding land.
- Charles Maynes says Ukraine ideally wants NATO membership, which Russia rejects, complicating compromise.