U.S. reports secret talks with ‘Putin’s top people’ but no progress toward peace in Ukraine

U.S. officials conducted secret negotiations with senior Russian officials this week to end the war in Ukraine but made no headway, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed on Fox News Radio. The previously unreported talks took place on July 28 or 29 with “some of Putin’s top people” in hopes of finding a path to peace.

The White House’s patience with Moscow appears to be running thin after more than six months of diplomatic efforts. President Trump has openly acknowledged his frustration with what he sees as a pattern: productive phone conversations with Russia’s leader followed by news reports of fresh attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump set an August 8 deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face additional sanctions. These would include secondary sanctions on Russian oil sales and sectoral sanctions on the banking system.

The diplomatic push comes as Russia continues attacking Ukrainian cities despite ongoing peace efforts. While Ukraine has expressed willingness to pursue a ceasefire, U.S. officials say Russia shows no “sincere interest” in ending the conflict. Trump originally gave Russia 50 days to make progress toward ending the war, but he shortened it to 10 days on July 29, citing lack of progress.