(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) –
Russian state television has set out what the Kremlin hopes to gain from renewed contacts with representatives linked to former United States president Donald Trump, presenting the discussions as both political and economic in nature while repeating Moscow’s uncompromising position on Ukraine.
On the flagship programme 60 Minutes, hosted by Olga Skabeeva, panellists said talks held at the Kremlin lasted around four hours and continued into the early morning. According to the broadcast, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin received Trump’s special envoys, including a senior adviser introduced as Josh, who was described as having responsibility for procurement matters within the White House structure.
The programme claimed that while the war against Ukraine remained the central topic, the Russian side did not wish to discuss details of negotiations publicly, arguing that this would be inappropriate during an ongoing process. Commentators said the discussions involved a separate channel focused on economic and business issues, distinct from security talks.
Military analyst Igor Korotchenko and State Duma member Alexey Zhuravlyov suggested that the presence of figures associated with procurement and business indicated a broader agenda. They argued that Moscow and Washington were discussing not only political matters but also potential economic cooperation.
A central demand was repeated several times during the broadcast. Panellists stated that the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Donbas was an essential condition for any agreement from the Russian side. This position was described as fundamental and non negotiable.
The programme accused European governments of having previously undermined Russian American agreements after talks in Anchorage, claiming that European capitals had worked to block any understanding. According to the panellists, the situation had changed because Trump was said to be less willing to engage with or consider the European Union’s position on Ukraine.
Commentators argued that, in their view, Moscow and Washington could discuss economic projects once Ukrainian forces left Donbas. These projects were described as potentially involving American business participation in what Russian state media referred to as new Russian territories, a term used by the Kremlin for occupied Ukrainian land.
One panellist suggested that Trump could pressure Europe to redirect part of Russia’s frozen foreign currency reserves, held in financial institutions such as Euroclear, into a joint Russian American economic fund. Figures of 50 billion or 100 billion were mentioned, expressed as United States dollars. At current exchange rates, this would amount to roughly 4.5 trillion to 9 trillion Russian roubles.
The broadcast claimed that such funds could be used to support what it described as a Russian American economic partnership once assets were unfrozen. Panellists argued that nothing was impossible and that outcomes depended on political will and determination from leaders.
The programme quoted comments from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who was said to have reiterated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas was a mandatory condition for Russia’s position in negotiations. This was presented as the foundation of any agreements discussed previously and as a principle now being put into practice.
The panel acknowledged that negotiations would be difficult. It was noted that under Russian law, some Ukrainian officials involved in talks were formally listed as extremists or terrorists, yet dialogue was still taking place. Commentators said Moscow was prepared to speak with anyone if it led to what they called the removal of Ukrainian forces from territory claimed by Russia.
Attention was drawn to talks between Kirill Dmitriev and Witkoff, which were described as a track where tangible agreements might be reached. Panellists suggested that progress on this front could help address wider military and political issues, although they cautioned against expecting major breakthroughs.
The programme claimed that Trump had not consulted European leaders on Ukraine, presenting this as evidence of a shift in the diplomatic process. While describing the talks as slow, commentators argued that movement was nevertheless taking place.
However, they also admitted that fundamental issues remained unresolved. These included Ukraine’s post war status, security guarantees, and territorial questions. Panellists said Russia was not prepared to make concessions and argued that any compromise by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on territory would be politically impossible for him.
Two possible outcomes were outlined. One was a long and uncertain political reset in Ukraine. The other was continued military action. The panel suggested that the United States might be waiting while allowing events to unfold, offering neither active support nor strong opposition.
The programme concluded that the main outcome of recent international meetings, including discussions linked to Davos, was the resumption of negotiations with mediation by the United States. Even so, panellists expressed scepticism that these talks would lead to peace, while insisting that Moscow would continue pursuing its stated objectives.
