Support The Moscow Times!

Kremlin Tempers Expectations for Ukraine Peace Talks, Says It Awaits Kyiv’s Response to Proposals

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. kremlin.ru

The Kremlin said Tuesday that negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine were "extremely complex" and that it would be wrong to expect any sudden breakthroughs, adding that it was waiting for Kyiv's reaction to its proposals.

Top spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke to reporters a day after Russian negotiators told their Ukrainian counterparts at talks in Turkey that Russia would only end the fighting if Kyiv ceded large swaths of territory and accepted limits on the size of its military.

Though it has dismissed similar demands in the past, Ukraine said it would consider Moscow's proposals before issuing a formal reply.

"The issue of a peace settlement is extremely complex. There are many nuances, and yesterday you saw the published draft of the memorandum we handed over to the Ukrainian side," Peskov told journalists.

"Of course, it would be wrong to expect any immediate solutions and breakthroughs here, but work is underway. Certain agreements were reached in Istanbul, and they are important," he added. "The agreements will be implemented, and then the work will continue."

At the same time, Peskov said Moscow and Washington have not yet planned any new phone calls or meetings between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. However, he said Putin was ready for a meeting with Trump, given proper planning.

Still, Peskov said it was unlikely that Putin, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would hold face-to-face talks together anytime soon.

Asked if Russia was ready to compromise on any of its own proposals for an end to the war in Ukraine, Peskov declined to comment.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more