The Kremlin has expressed optimism regarding recent peace discussions with the United States concerning Ukraine, signaling its readiness to continue dialogue with the current American negotiating team.
Kremlin Sees Progress in US Talks
Following a crucial five-hour meeting on Tuesday night, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged with two U.S. envoys, reportedly accepting certain aspects of a U.S.-proposed peace plan while rejecting others.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, a participant in the Tuesday discussions, conveyed to Zvezda news on Friday, "In my opinion, we are progressing in the main negotiations involving our president. This is encouraging, and we are prepared to continue collaborating with this American team." State news agency RIA further reported Ushakov's remarks, indicating that the Kremlin is currently awaiting a response from its American counterparts regarding the outcome of Tuesday's talks.
Putin's Stance on Donbas
Despite the engagement, Putin subsequently reiterated Russia's firm demand for complete control over Ukraine's Donbas region. He stated unequivocally that Moscow would achieve this objective by force if Ukrainian forces did not withdraw voluntarily.
US Response and Ukrainian Concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump, whose persistent efforts to broker an end to the conflict have yet to yield a definitive breakthrough, characterized the recent high-level talks as "reasonably good." Despite this, he conceded that the path forward remains ambiguous.
Meanwhile, Ukraine maintains its call for an immediate ceasefire, accusing President Putin of merely feigning interest in peace negotiations while simultaneously intensifying military operations. Kyiv harbors significant concerns that a potential deal struck between Trump and Putin could impose highly unfavorable terms upon Ukraine, leaving it vulnerable to future Russian aggression. Ukraine's foreign minister emphasized on Thursday that the nation seeks "real peace, not appeasement" with Russia.
Russia's Dual Approach
For its part, Russia asserts its earnest commitment to resolving the conflict. Nevertheless, it has made it clear that if diplomatic avenues fail to secure its objectives, it will resort to military force to achieve them.
