The Kremlin announced on September 12, that peace negotiations with Ukraine are currently on pause, with Moscow accusing European nations of obstructing progress while insisting it remains open to future dialogue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that although communication channels are still functioning, the negotiation process has reached a standstill.
Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of direct talks this year, most recently in Istanbul on July 23, that produced agreements for prisoner-of-war exchanges and the return of bodies of the dead. But the two sides remain sharply divided over the shape of a potential peace deal. Kyiv rejects some of Russia’s major demands, including large territorial concessions.
Peskov accused European countries, especially Britain and others pushing for post-settlement security guarantees involving NATO troops or Western forces, of impeding progress. Moscow views those ideas as unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Russia is carrying out large-scale military drills with Belarus under the “Zapad 2025” banner, stepping up operations even as Kyiv and its Western allies push sanctions and diplomatic efforts.
Though the talks are paused, the Kremlin maintains that it remains ready to resume negotiations under certain conditions—primarily without what it sees as intrusive guarantees by European powers. Kyiv, for its part, has emphasized territorial integrity and rejects venue proposals that imply recognition of Russian claims.
