Russia declared there are "no grounds for negotiations yet" to end its nearly three-year war in Ukraine, further cementing its hardline position as speculation grows over potential diplomatic shifts under President-elect Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow's stance in an interview published Wednesday, stating that peace talks remain off the table unless Kyiv and its allies acknowledge Russia's territorial claims.
"There are no grounds for negotiations yet," Peskov told the Russian newspaper Izvestia. He emphasized that any discussions would require recognition of the "new territorial realities," referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its claimed control over four additional Ukrainian regions-Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. These areas, partially occupied by Russian forces, remain central to the Kremlin's demands.
The remarks follow heightened military activity on both sides. Russian forces have accelerated their offensive in eastern Ukraine while continuing drone and missile strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian troops, bolstered by Western-supplied weaponry, have mounted their own strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting military sites and oil facilities.
As the conflict rages, international focus has shifted to the implications of Trump's upcoming inauguration on January 20. Trump has vowed to bring the war to a swift resolution, raising questions about whether his approach might favor Moscow's terms or lead to renewed talks.
Ukrainian officials are skeptical of any settlement that compromises their sovereignty. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated this week that Ukraine would accept nothing less than full territorial integrity and NATO membership to guarantee its security. This is "exactly what we need," Zelenskyy said, following the announcement of a $750 million military aid package from the Biden administration.
The Kremlin, meanwhile, appears to be preparing for a potential shift in strategy. Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, suggested that Putin views Trump as both unpredictable and stronger than Biden. "He is trying to improve his position before Trump comes to power and before the possible negotiations," Merezhko told ABC News.
Speculation about a potential ceasefire under Trump has intensified, with reports suggesting the former president could push for a freeze along the current front lines. Such a move would leave Moscow in control of significant Ukrainian territory, raising concerns in Kyiv and among its Western allies about the terms of any future deal.
Despite ongoing military clashes, the Kremlin has increasingly mentioned peace talks in recent weeks. Peskov acknowledged Qatar's role as a mediator, praising the Gulf state's efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the conflict. "We are grateful to all countries for such goodwill, including Qatar," he said.
While the possibility of negotiations remains distant, both sides continue to bolster their positions. The Biden administration has allowed Kyiv to use long-range missiles to target Russian assets, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's leverage before leaving office. European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have pledged additional military aid, with Scholz announcing $680 million in new support during a visit to Kyiv this week.
