The Kremlin said this week that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have entered a “deep pause,” a notable hardening in tone after weeks of diplomatic activity aimed at ending the war. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “As for peace talks, that topic is currently on a deep pause,” while stressing that Russian forces continue to advance on the battlefield.
Peskov’s comments mark a shift from earlier in the summer, when he had confirmed ongoing dialogue with U.S. negotiators. The pause comes despite a recent flurry of diplomacy, including a visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe aimed at encouraging talks, and a meeting between a Vatican envoy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Peskov reiterated Moscow’s core demand that Ukraine cede full control of the Donetsk region as a precondition for any ceasefire. “The Ukrainian side knows our demands full well,” he said. “They just don’t want to discuss them peacefully.” Kyiv has consistently rejected the territorial demand, and there was no immediate sign of a breakthrough.
