Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, has indicated that progress is being made in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, but emphasized there is no clear timeline for achieving a ceasefire. During an interview with TASS on Friday at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Peskov stated that Moscow cannot yet establish specific deadlines for ending the hostilities.
Peskov referenced remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly described the situation as having “light at the end of the tunnel.” This aligns with Putin’s earlier comments in Beijing, where he suggested a settlement might be nearing, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration as showing a “genuine desire to find a solution.” However, Putin also reiterated his openness to meeting Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy, while cautioning that such a summit must serve a purpose. He implied that Zelenskiy could negotiate in Moscow if he genuinely sought peace, but stressed that meetings for appearances alone would be futile.
Zelenskiy’s government has rejected this proposal, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga condemning Moscow’s demands as “knowingly unacceptable.” Sibiga claimed Zelenskiy is open to dialogue but insists it must occur under conditions that do not align with Russian interests. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy’s term as president expired last May, yet he has delayed elections amid ongoing martial law, a move Moscow has criticized as undermining his legitimacy. The Kremlin argues any agreement signed by Zelenskiy could later be invalidated by a future Ukrainian administration.
Putin also linked the conflict’s resolution to Western nations, noting that U.S. commitments to NATO allies remain a key factor. Moscow has insisted that lasting peace requires Ukraine to recognize its territorial boundaries and abandon aspirations to join NATO. The statement underscores the persistent divide between the warring sides, with no immediate resolution in sight.