US brings 'proposal to end war' to Russia and Ukraine

Keith Adams (0:00)

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Keith Adams, and in the early hours of Sunday, the 6th of September, these are our main stories. President Trump's envoys have held what were called substantive talks with Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine. A new dossier claims the Sudanese military used chemical weapons in the war against the paramilitary rapid support forces. Also, in this podcast.

Bagpipes with African drums will tell you where you can hear this fusion of sound.

Another attempt is underway by President Trump to end the Ukraine war. It's a weekend of diplomacy. US envoys met President Putin in Moscow on Saturday before travelling on to Kyiv. A White House spokesperson said Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner discussed what they called substantive plans for ending the conflict. Both sides have agreed not to attack each other's capitals while the talks are taking place, but hopes for progress towards peace are not high. Here's our Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg.

Steve Rosenberg (1:17)

If you're Donald Trump's peace envoys, there's no slipping quietly into the Kremlin.

Vladimir Putin greeted the visitors, Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The situation is difficult, he conceded, but there was gushing praise for his guests.

Vladimir Putin (1:43)

You have been enjoying our full trust, and it's been quite convenient for us to work with you.

Jared Kushner (1:49)

When we retire, we'll have all these incredible stories and incredible memories, and yours will be right at the top of it all.

Steve Rosenberg (1:58)

But up to this point, the Kremlin has shown little sign of wanting to end its war on Ukraine. A peace deal so far has proved elusive.

Many Russians are hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough. Grigoriy Yavlinsky is founder of a party that is publicly calling for peace, for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The party has been barred from running in Russia's upcoming parliamentary election.

Grigoriy Yavlinsky (2:28)

It's necessary to find the common language. If to continue in the same way, we would come to something like nuclear war, and that will be the end of the story.

Steve Rosenberg (2:40)

But finding a common language with a Kremlin that is still pushing for victory, that's a challenge.

Keith Adams (2:47)

Steve Rosenberg in Moscow.

But what message are the two envoys taking from Russia to Ukraine? And could a compromise really be on the cards? My colleague Paul Henley spoke to Oleksandr Moreshko, a Ukrainian MP from President Zelensky's party and chair of the Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee.

Oleksandr Moreshko (3:06)

The previous experience with the Russian so-called 28-point plans, it was basically a Russian plan. It was a plan of surrender for Ukraine. And I hope that Mr. Trump will not repeat the same mistake again. But Putin has not renounced his previous absurd demands with regard to Ukraine. So I don't think it will be a serious plan which will be acceptable for Ukraine.

Paul Henley (3:33)

So, what are you hoping for from this US visit to Kiev tomorrow? And what are you expecting, maybe?

Oleksandr Moreshko (3:40)

The envoys of President Trump will talk to people, will talk to President Zelenskyy, will see the results of Russian attacks against Kiev, because every third building in Kiev was damaged one way or another.

And maybe they will start to understand better what's going on. And they will come from the spell of Russian propaganda.

Paul Henley (4:01)

Well, do you think they are already biased against Ukraine, then it sounds like it?

Oleksandr Moreshko (4:05)

Judging by their statements, yes, they continue to be biased. And today's compliments addressed to Putin by Mr. Witkoff, it has already caused a proar in Ukraine, because today Russians have killed a family, including one child, so Russia continues to kill us. And Mr. Witkoff is full of these compliments to Russian war criminals. For us, it's incomprehensible.

Paul Henley (4:31)

Is Ukraine in any mood to make any compromise in the name of peace right now?

Oleksandr Moreshko (4:38)

Yes, we have already agreed to such a compromise, which is not in our interests, and not in our best interests. What have you agreed to? Non-conditional ceasefire along the current frontline.

Paul Henley (4:49)

But no giving up of territory?

Oleksandr Moreshko (4:51)

Absolutely, it's impossible. It's impossible from an international legal perspective. It's not in the interests of the global security.

But we also need guarantees that Putin will not attack us again.

Paul Henley (5:03)

Right. Can you imagine any peace agreement signed by all sides that would not involve some handing over of territory to Russia?

Oleksandr Moreshko (5:14)

Well, it's impossible. It's impossible from the point of view of our constitution. Our people would never agree to cede an inch of our territory to Russia. And, you know, to reward the perpetrator, the aggressor, you know, I think it's not good for any country, including the United States.