The Kremlin said some progress has been made toward ending the war in Ukraine and that Russia would welcome President Donald Trump’s assistance in mediating talks.
During Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated progress had been made towards a negotiated settlement to end the war in Ukraine. On Tuesday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was optimistic the conflict could end soon.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed doubt that Russia was prepared to end the conflict. “Russia has no intention of ending this war. And we are, unfortunately, preparing for new attacks,” he said Monday.
“The progress made in the peace process suggests that a conclusion is indeed approaching,” he explained, “But it is premature now to talk about any specifics in this regard.” Peskov added that Moscow would “welcome” US involvement in mediating a settlement.
Trump campaigned on negotiating an end to the war, even promising to accomplish it on his first day in office. However, Trump has expressed frustration that Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky are unwilling to compromise to end the conflict.
One major issue preventing an agreement to end the conflict is the future of the Donbas. Moscow claims the entire eastern Ukrainian territory as part of Russia. Kiev insists it is unwilling to cede any of Ukraine to Russia. Russian forces continue to make gains across the front lines, including in the Donbas.
