Russia says it will resume Ukraine talks only on its terms

Russia says it is willing to return to peace negotiations with Ukraine, but only if Kyiv accepts what Moscow calls the “new realities” created by the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remarks on Sunday, framing any renewed talks around territorial changes Russia claims have taken hold on the ground.

The statement underscores the gulf between the two sides as fighting continues and diplomatic prospects remain uncertain. Ukraine has repeatedly rejected any deal that would formalize Russian occupation of its territory, while Western allies have insisted that any settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.

Moscow’s position reflects a long-running effort to use battlefield gains as leverage at the negotiating table. By tying talks to territorial concessions, the Kremlin is signaling that it wants a political outcome that cements changes imposed by force, a stance likely to be seen in Kyiv as unacceptable.

The latest comments add little sign of a breakthrough, but they do indicate that the Kremlin wants to keep the door open to negotiations on terms that favor Russia. For Ukraine and its supporters, the central question remains whether any future talks can produce a durable peace without rewarding aggression.