Russia-Ukraine talks resume as U.S. advances parallel Iran nuclear negotiations
Negotiators returned to the table for a second day of talks between Russia and Ukraine.
(NBC)- Negotiators returned to the table for a second day of talks between Russia and Ukraine, as U.S.-mediated discussions continue just one week before the four-year mark of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy involved in the talks, said the first day of negotiations yielded “meaningful progress” toward a potential peace deal.
Ahead of the discussions, Donald Trump urged Ukraine to move quickly toward compromise.
Meanwhile, two Democratic senators traveled to Kyiv to advocate for strong security guarantees to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression.
“Ukraine needs and deserves a guarantee from the United States, not just European powers,” said Richard Blumenthal.
As negotiations with Russia and Ukraine continued, U.S. officials were also engaged in separate high-level talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program.
Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner joined discussions Tuesday focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s top diplomat signaled progress but cautioned that an agreement would not come quickly. At the same time, JD Vance acknowledged ongoing obstacles.
“The President has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through. So we’re going to keep on working it,” Vance said.
President Trump has repeatedly indicated that military action remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail. Ahead of the negotiations, he ordered a second U.S. aircraft carrier to the region and suggested that regime change in Iran could ultimately be beneficial.
Iran has threatened retaliation in the event of any attack, with its supreme leader warning that attempts to undermine the government would fail.
The parallel diplomatic efforts underscore the administration’s focus on reshaping U.S. foreign policy in two major global conflicts as tensions remain high.
