Russia says Ukraine peace talks 'proceeding constructively,' as Kremlin launches deadly strike on Odesa

Kremlin representative Kirill Dimitriev informed U.S. reporters of the positive progress in peace negotiations with Ukraine, even as Russian military forces carried out a fatal missile attack on Odesa, a key port city in southern Ukraine.

“The talks are moving forward constructively. They started earlier and are set to continue today and into tomorrow,” Dimitriev shared with the media during a gathering in Florida on Saturday.

In Florida, Dimitriev held discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. This meeting followed a series of separate discussions the U.S. had with Ukrainian officials.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty about the current state of the peace talks while addressing the press on Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (right) are shown in a side-by-side photo illustration amid ongoing peace negotiations.

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have had individual meetings with former President Donald Trump, highlighting the significance of U.S. involvement in the peace process.

“The critical issue is how the United States will react after consulting with the Russians. As of now, I am uncertain, but I hope to have more clarity later today,” Zelenskyy stated.

Russia’s campaign against Ukraine has continued unabated despite the peace talks. A Saturday strike on Odesa killed eight people and injured 27 others.

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted on Friday that the nation’s “troops are advancing,” and expressed confidence that Russia would achieve its goals by military force if Ukraine does not accept its peace terms.

Delegates from the U.S. and Russia walk together inside the Kremlin ahead of a high-level meeting.

Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev arrive for talks with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin’s Senate Palace in Moscow on Dec. 2, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

“Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact, faster in some areas or slower in some others, but the enemy is retreating in all sectors,” Putin declared Friday during his annual news conference.

“The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means,” he continued.

ukraine

Ukrainian military members carry the coffin of Vasyl Ratushnyi, a Ukrainian serviceman who served as a drone operator in “Madyar’s Birds” unit and who was killed fighting Russian troops at the front, during his funeral ceremony outside St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv. (Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images)

“However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means,” Putin declared.

Russia’s peace terms have so far required Ukraine to give up vast swathes of territory, including some territory not already under Russian occupation.

You May Also Like

MICHAEL RUIZ: DA identifies 49 local killers slated for Newsom's death row clemency — and their crimes

DA Identifies 49 Killers Slated for Newsom Death Row Clemency

A California district attorney is drawing attention to the devastating crimes tied…
NYC husband cries as wife saved from collapsed Brooklyn building

NYC Husband Cries as Wife Is Rescued From Collapsed Brooklyn Building

An anxious Brooklyn husband broke down in tears of relief after learning…
San Onofre’s famous twin domes will be demolished by end of 2027

San Onofre’s Iconic Twin Domes to Be Demolished by End of 2027

What a pair. Southern California is preparing to say goodbye to the…
Muslim student sues California district over ‘terrorist’ slur

Muslim Student Sues California School District Over ‘Terrorist’ Slur

A Muslim teenager is suing his Southern California school district after a…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Hate strikes out in Philly

Fox News’ Antisemitism Exposed: Hate Strikes Out in Philly

– Tables turn in Philadelphia as counterprotesters disrupt Kristallnacht hate rally– Reggie Jackson delivers…
Ex-Oklahoma death row inmate whose murder conviction was dismissed by Supreme Court pleads guilty to lesser charge

Former Oklahoma Death Row Inmate Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charge After Supreme Court Dismissed Murder Conviction

Former Oklahoma death row prisoner Richard Glossip, who spent nearly three decades…
Fiery chaos erupts across Spain as protesters clash with police during massive nationwide strike

Spain’s Nationwide Strike Erupts in Fiery Clashes With Police

Protesters set fires, damaged businesses and fired fireworks toward riot police in…
Iran escalates in Hormuz, claims strike on Omani island it says 'enemy' uses for US military ops

Iran Escalates in Hormuz, Claims Strike on Omani Island Used by US

Iran says it carried out a strike on a small Omani island…
NJ construction worker in deadly Long Island bridge scaffolding collapse ID'd as brother of Brazilian pol

NJ Worker Killed in LI Collapse Was Brazilian Politician’s Brother

Authorities have identified the two New Jersey construction workers who plunged into…
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell to meet with Mayor-elect Nithya Raman

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell Set to Meet Mayor-Elect Nithya Raman

After a bruising election battle, Los Angeles’ political rivals are making an…
Former owner of Peanut the squirrel, viral pet euthanized by NY officials, detained by ICE

Peanut the Squirrel’s Former Owner Detained by ICE After NY Euthanasia

The wife of the New York man whose viral pet squirrel, Peanut,…
NYC dad with pregnant wife ID'd as Brooklyn building collapse victim

Brooklyn Dad Killed in Building Collapse Leaves Pregnant Wife

A father whose wife was days away from giving birth was among…