Talks began in the Kremlin between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as part of efforts to explore a settlement to the war in Ukraine.

The meeting follows Putin’s remarks claiming that Russia is “ready” for confrontation with Europe if the latter “chooses escalation,” accusing European states of blocking a ceasefire deal.

On the ground, Russian forces continue to advance on multiple fronts, announcing control over the cities of Pokrovsk in Donetsk and Vovchansk in Kharkiv, in addition to several other towns reported seized on Tuesday by the Russian Ministry of Defense.