Pause in Russia-Ukraine Talks: Kremlin Urges Expectation of a Lengthy Path to Peace
Amid ongoing and tense diplomatic negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Russian Kremlin officials announced a significant development: a temporary halt in active diplomatic discussions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov conveyed that the military and negotiating teams have suspended their efforts for now but expressed readiness to continue seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the future.
He emphasized that this pause does not signify the end of the negotiation process, though he highlighted that quick results are unlikely at this stage.
According to him, external factors, particularly European policies, hinder consensus-building, and this situation is well-known among diplomatic circles.
Peskov also pointed out that communication channels between the negotiating sides remain open, but there is no expectation of an immediate resolution.
He recalled former U.S.
President Donald Trump’s remarks that early hopes of resolving the conflict swiftly may be unrealistic and stressed that patience and time are essential.
Previously, Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are not yet prepared for peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, the official U.S.
stance continues to support peaceful initiatives, even as some Western media interpret Washington’s position as distancing itself from active mediation efforts.
Reports indicate that Putin demands Ukraine renounce Donbas, avoid NATO membership, and prohibit Western military presence on its territory.
Sources suggest that Putin has relaxed some of his initial demands, such as the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and is now conditioning reconciliation on full capitulation of Donbas, linking a ceasefire to Kyiv’s concessions.