Claims Progress on Ukraine War Negotiations
The Kremlin has responded with ambiguity to claims from the United States that efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine are making headway.
Over the weekend, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that he had spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the conflict. However, when questioned on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov neither confirmed nor denied whether such a conversation had taken place.
Trump Hints at Private Talks with Putin
Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could swiftly end the war if re-elected, told reporters on Sunday that he had “had it” when asked about a possible call with Putin. He added, “Let’s just say I’ve had it … And I expect to have many more conversations.”
Despite Trump’s statements, Washington has not officially acknowledged any direct communication between the U.S. and Russian presidents since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, revealed that his team is actively drafting a peace plan in collaboration with NATO and U.S. allies. However, Trump himself remained tight-lipped about specifics, saying, “If we are talking, I don’t want to tell you about the conversations … I do believe we’re making progress. We want to stop the Ukraine-Russia war.”
Russia Insists on Its Terms for Peace
While Trump pushes for a potential settlement, Russia has made it clear that any negotiations must meet its conditions. Moscow’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, stated that while Russia is open to discussions, “there are no agreements” between the Kremlin and Washington at the moment.
Ryabkov reinforced Putin’s long-standing demands: Ukraine must abandon its bid to join NATO and withdraw troops from four eastern regions that Russia has claimed. The Russian official stressed that the U.S. and its allies must acknowledge these conditions before any settlement can be reached.
Concerns Over Trump’s Approach to Peace Talks
Trump’s push to secure a deal has raised concerns in Ukraine and Europe, with fears that he may sideline Kyiv and other stakeholders in favor of a direct negotiation with Moscow. Ukrainian officials worry that Trump could pressure them into making territorial concessions in order to expedite a deal.
With the war dragging on and global leaders watching closely, the question remains: Can Trump’s backchannel diplomacy bring an end to the conflict, or will Russia’s rigid demands stall any real progress?
