U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine War Unlikely Until Embassies Reopen

The Kremlin stated Tuesday that new Russia-U.S. negotiations on ending the Ukraine war are unlikely before both embassies resume normal operations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told RIA state news agency that talks are improbable until full diplomatic functions are restored. Embassy operations have been limited since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump paused military aid to Ukraine following a dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, further straining ties between the two allies. Since assuming his second term in January, Trump has shifted U.S. policy, pushing for rapid negotiations with Moscow. His approach, including direct calls and meetings, has unsettled European allies and Kyiv.

In late February, Russian and U.S. delegations met in Turkey to discuss restoring embassy operations. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism after initial talks with Trump’s administration. Last week, Russia announced it would send a new ambassador to Washington, signaling a potential thaw in relations, though the timeline for full embassy operations remains uncertain.

Peskov also noted that it is too early to determine when or where the next round of discussions will take place.