The call for renewed talks was made over the weekend, following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning of significant sanctions against Russia if a ceasefire isn’t achieved within 50 days. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov tempered expectations for the talks, stating, “We intend to pursue our interests” and emphasized the long road ahead for diplomacy, signaling that he does not foresee any "miraculous breakthrough" from the discussions.
This latest effort follows unsuccessful previous meetings in Istanbul, where both sides were unable to reach an agreement on a ceasefire, highlighting the ongoing divide between Moscow and Kyiv. As violence escalates, including fatal airstrikes in populated areas, Washington has pledged additional military support for Ukraine, further complicating the negotiation landscape.
The two days of discussions are expected to touch upon prisoner exchanges and might even facilitate a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though optimism about achieving a tangible outcome remains low. Peskov’s remarks reiterate the significant differences that exist between the parties and the considerable diplomatic work that is still required to move forward.
With the conflict, now in its third year, leading to increasing devastation and civilian casualties, the international community watches closely, hopeful yet cautious about the potential for peace.
This latest effort follows unsuccessful previous meetings in Istanbul, where both sides were unable to reach an agreement on a ceasefire, highlighting the ongoing divide between Moscow and Kyiv. As violence escalates, including fatal airstrikes in populated areas, Washington has pledged additional military support for Ukraine, further complicating the negotiation landscape.
The two days of discussions are expected to touch upon prisoner exchanges and might even facilitate a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though optimism about achieving a tangible outcome remains low. Peskov’s remarks reiterate the significant differences that exist between the parties and the considerable diplomatic work that is still required to move forward.
With the conflict, now in its third year, leading to increasing devastation and civilian casualties, the international community watches closely, hopeful yet cautious about the potential for peace.
