Kushner to Putin: You told us a year ago that you would occupy Donbas in a couple of months

Putin's meeting with Donald Trump's representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Whitcoffe took place in the Kremlin on September 5. As The New York Times writes, during the negotiations, Putin displayed confidence. He told the Americans that within a few months, Russian troops would finally take control of the entire Donbas.

Putin also stated that Russia is ready to launch massive strikes on Ukraine's energy system, which could make the upcoming winter particularly difficult for Ukrainians.

Kushner tried to object to Putin.

“With all due respect, you told us exactly the same thing a year ago. What is the likelihood that we will be back here again in another year, and you will say the same thing again? Maybe we shouldn't lose another year?”

This exchange was described by a person familiar with the negotiations and an American official to The New York Times. The publication notes that it well illustrates the dilemma facing Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine, which have been ongoing for more than 18 months.

One of the key issues in the negotiations remains Donbas. NYT notes that it became clear: Ukraine is not going to withdraw troops from the part of its territory that Putin demands.

Kushner later publicly spoke about this problem during a video conference appearance at a meeting of international supporters of Ukraine in Kyiv.

“President Putin has outlined the line he wants to achieve,” Kushner said. “If Ukraine wanted to retreat to that line, then, obviously, the rest of the agreement we already have prepared. But Ukraine does not want to do that now.”

Against this backdrop, the Trump administration is looking for new ways to encourage Russia to end the war. According to NYT, the White House is now considering the possibility of striking business deals with Russia even before the cessation of hostilities. This would be a change from Trump's earlier position, who stated that business with Russia would be possible after the war was settled.

At the same time, the US Congress adopted a bill aimed at Russia's energy sector. It allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent against countries that buy the most Russian oil or gas, and also provides for sanctions against Russian officials, businessmen, and financial institutions. Trump made it clear that he would sign the bill.

Kushner's and Whitcoffe's trip to Moscow, and then to Kyiv, was an attempt to resume negotiations that largely stalled earlier this year. According to Ukrainian officials, trilateral negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia could resume in October. They are expected to discuss a limited ceasefire — in particular, a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure or shipping in the Black Sea.

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