Russia signaled interest in negotiations with Ukraine, but the Kremlin said its key objectives remain non-negotiable. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke on Russian state television Sunday. He said Russia is open to dialogue, but only on its terms. His comments followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent ultimatum.
Trump gave Russia 50 days to accept a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions. This move added urgency to the already strained Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
Despite repeated accusations from Ukraine and the West, Russia denies stalling negotiations. Peskov argued that President Vladimir Putin wants a peaceful solution. However, he emphasized that achieving Russia’s goals remains a top priority.
“The process is long and not easy,” Peskov said. “But our goals are clear.” Russia demands that Ukraine withdraw from four occupied regions annexed in 2022. These territories remain contested battlegrounds. Russia also wants Ukraine to abandon its NATO ambitions and reduce its military strength.
Ukraine has firmly rejected these conditions. Western allies have backed Ukraine’s stance. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said officials had proposed a new negotiation round. Talks could resume in Istanbul, although no date has been confirmed.
Meanwhile, drone attacks continued overnight. Ukraine’s air force reported that it intercepted 18 out of 57 Russian drones. Officials said seven drones disappeared from radar and may have crashed.
Russian drones struck several Ukrainian cities. In Zaporizhzhia, a drone hit a house, wounding two women. In Kharkiv, another drone injured two civilians after damaging a residential building.
Later, a strike hit central Sumy. A woman and her young son were injured. Officials said the blast also damaged power lines, cutting electricity to 100 homes.
In response, Russia reported intercepting 93 Ukrainian drones overnight. The Defense Ministry claimed 15 of those targeted Moscow. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed 13 additional drones were shot down near the capital. One drone hit a building in Zelenograd, damaging an apartment but causing no injuries.
As both sides continue airstrikes, Russia-Ukraine peace talks face growing skepticism. Moscow insists on major concessions. Kyiv, however, refuses to negotiate under threat or occupation.
For now, the path forward in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks remains uncertain, clouded by violence and unyielding demands.
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