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The Kremlin confirmed Thursday that negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war had entered a temporary halt, attributing the pause to the outbreak of the Iran war. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pushed back, announcing that a Ukrainian delegation was already traveling to the United States ahead of expected weekend discussions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as a "situational pause," indicating that Moscow remained willing to resume dialogue once Washington could refocus its diplomatic attention on the Ukraine conflict. Russian state outlet Izvestia reported that the Middle East crisis could pressure Kyiv into making concessions at the negotiating table.
Despite the pause, Zelenskiy struck a more optimistic tone, saying Washington had signaled readiness to continue talks. "It is time to end that pause," he stated in his nightly address, confirming that a Ukrainian team was en route to the U.S. for a Saturday meeting. The full format and participants of those discussions were not immediately disclosed.
Diplomatic efforts have progressed through several locations this year, including Abu Dhabi and Geneva, following earlier sessions held in Turkey. A key sticking point remains Russia's insistence that Ukraine formally relinquish control of the entire Donetsk region — a demand Kyiv firmly rejects.
U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that Russia currently holds "the upper hand" in the conflict and is likely to continue its war of attrition until a deal is reached.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed openness to peace while maintaining that Ukraine must abandon NATO membership ambitions and withdraw from four Russian-claimed territories. Ukraine has questioned Putin's sincerity and refuses to surrender land Russia has yet to fully occupy.
The path to a ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides still far apart on fundamental terms.
