KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian and European leaders on Wednesday challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin's sincerity regarding peace negotiations, following a five-hour meeting in Moscow with U.S. representatives that ended without notable progress, although further discussions are still expected.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Putin, saying he is merely stalling and urged him to stop "wasting the world's time."

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed similar concerns, calling on the Russian leader to “end the violence and participate in genuine peace efforts” that would bring long-term security to Ukraine and Europe.

Putin met late Tuesday in Moscow with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, as part of a renewed American initiative to advance peace talks — an initiative gaining momentum since President Donald Trump returned to office in January.

While both governments agreed not to reveal detailed outcomes of the conversation, a major unresolved issue remains: the future of occupied Ukrainian territories captured by Russia after the February 2022 invasion.

Yuri Ushakov, one of Putin’s top advisers, said there is still no compromise when it comes to territorial questions, which he described as essential to any resolution. “Without agreement on this point, there’s no path toward peace,” Ushakov said.

Ukrainian officials have also firmly rejected any proposal that involves surrendering territory to Russia.

Ushakov described the meeting with the U.S. officials as “useful, constructive, and quite in-depth,” emphasizing that the talks focused more on the general structure of Washington’s peace plan, rather than specific terms.

Prior to the meeting, Putin criticized Europe’s role in the peace process, accusing European states of actively working to derail any potential agreement. He warned that while Russia does not seek conflict with Europe, it is prepared to respond militarily if challenged.

These remarks contributed to already heightened tensions surrounding efforts to end the war, which is nearing its fourth year.

European nations increase support for Ukraine

In Brussels, foreign ministers from NATO's European members voiced strong criticism of Russia’s behavior and reiterated their support for Ukraine.

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, “It’s clear Putin continues to escalate the conflict on the battlefield rather than seeking peace.”

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen offered a similar perspective, saying, “So far, Russia has offered no compromises. A full ceasefire would be the first meaningful step toward building trust.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reinforced the alliance’s commitment to aiding Ukraine, stating that continued military support is vital to maintaining pressure on Moscow.

“Peace discussions are happening, which is positive,” Rutte said.

“But we must ensure Ukraine remains strong both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. Being well-prepared will strengthen their position when the talks become more serious,” he added.

Canada, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands announced a coordinated initiative to spend several hundred million dollars on U.S.-made weapons, which they will donate to Ukraine.

This effort is part of a program launched in August, under which European nations pool funds to acquire American military equipment for Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).

Ongoing conflict leads to new casualties

The war continues to take a heavy toll, with both countries engaging in widespread use of drones and missiles along and beyond the front lines.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian drone strikes hit the town of Ternivka, killing two civilians and injuring three others, according to regional military head Vladyslav Haivanenko. Two of the injured were reported in critical condition. One house was completely destroyed, and six others were damaged.

Ukraine's air force said Russian forces launched 111 drones — a combination of strike and decoy — in attacks overnight.

In response, Russia’s defense ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 102 Ukrainian drones during the same period.

Debris from one such drone reportedly caused a fire at an oil depot in Russia's Tambov region, approximately 200 kilometers south of Moscow, according to Governor Yevgeniy Pervyshov.

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Reporting contributed by Cook from Brussels.

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