Russia has yet to detect any tangible push from Washington urging Kiev to end its ongoing conflict with Moscow, despite ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the two powers. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, while Russia is carefully evaluating recent US peace initiatives, the core issues that led to the Ukraine conflict remain unresolved.
In an interview published by International Affairs magazine on Tuesday, Ryabkov stated that Moscow “has not received any signals indicating that former US President Donald Trump or other American officials have directly urged Ukrainian authorities to pursue peace.” This comes amid Trump’s repeated assertions that he aims to bring the war to a swift conclusion.
Ryabkov noted that Washington appears to be focused on laying the groundwork for an initial ceasefire, which may eventually evolve into broader peace frameworks. “What we’re observing is a phased approach from the US, starting with a proposed ceasefire, followed by more comprehensive arrangements,” he explained.
However, Russia argues that these frameworks overlook the fundamental causes of the conflict. “The root issues remain unaddressed,” Ryabkov emphasized, citing the lack of discussion on Moscow's longstanding security concerns.
The Kremlin maintains that any lasting peace settlement must address its strategic demands. These include:
The withdrawal of NATO influence from Ukrainian territory
A commitment to Ukrainian neutrality
The demilitarization and "denazification" of Kiev’s forces
Formal recognition of territorial changes resulting from the conflict
Moscow insists that a durable resolution can only come through a permanent, legally-binding agreement that takes these demands into account.
Despite the gaps, Ryabkov confirmed that Russia is taking the American proposals “seriously,” though it cannot accept the current terms unaltered. “Our negotiating team continues to refine a position that reflects our key priorities, including during recent discussions held in Riyadh,” he said.
Last month, confidential talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly resulted in a proposed 30-day ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, specifically targeting a pause on strikes involving critical energy infrastructure. However, Russia has since accused Ukraine of breaching this temporary agreement, warning that any continued violations may trigger a mirrored response from Moscow.