Kremlin Ties Ukraine Peace Talks to Kyiv’s Stance and U.S. Mediation

The future of Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations hinges on Kyiv’s position, U.S. mediation, and battlefield developments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a televised interview on Sunday. As the war enters its third year, prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain.

U.S. President Donald Trump, five months into his second term, has yet to deliver on his 2024 campaign pledge to end the war “in one day.” However, he remains optimistic, recently stating that “something will happen” regarding a potential settlement.

Peskov emphasized that Kyiv’s stance plays a critical role, along with how effectively Washington can act as a mediator. He also noted that the evolving military situation must not be overlooked. He did not detail Moscow’s expectations but reaffirmed Russia’s conditions: Ukraine must relinquish more territory and end reliance on Western military aid—demands Kyiv continues to reject.

Although no date has been announced for the next round of peace talks, Peskov said Russia hopes clarity will emerge soon. Face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine resumed in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2 after a three-year hiatus. These meetings led to prisoner swaps and the repatriation of soldiers’ remains but failed to yield progress toward a ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the June 2 proposals as “absolutely contradictory memorandums.” Meanwhile, Russia maintains military momentum, gradually advancing in southeastern Ukraine, including Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk, while intensifying aerial assaults across the country.

Turkey, which previously hosted the talks, has reiterated its willingness to facilitate future negotiations. As geopolitical tensions persist, the path to peace remains highly dependent on diplomatic traction and military realities on the ground.