Russia says it's open to ending Ukraine war — but hints it's not their call
Photo: Russian dictator's spokesman Dmitry Peskov (kremlin.ru)
The Kremlin claims that it is ready for a quick settlement of the war against Ukraine, but assures that not everything depends on it, says Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov to Russian propagandists.
"Yes, Russia is ready to move quickly. The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear, obvious - they do not change. But the process depends not only on us," Peskov said.
Regarding a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he said that it is possible and will happen over time.
"Perhaps it (the meeting - ed.) is necessary to fix some big agreements that will eventually be reached after a lot of work has been done. But this time has not yet come. This work has yet to be done," Peskov added.
Russia's demands to Ukraine
In 2025, Ukraine and Russia held two rounds of talks in Istanbul. During the meeting, the Russian delegation voiced unacceptable demands to end the war against Ukraine.
RBC-Ukraine's sources said that Russia demanded that Ukraine accept a neutral status (no NATO membership), give up five regions (including those territories not controlled by Russia), withdraw troops from these territories, refuse reparations, and agree to "protect the rights of Russian speakers."
Later, Putin voiced a new demand to end the war. The Kremlin is demanding that Ukraine recognize the so-called "referendums" in the occupied territories.
