Russia rejects peace talks over Ukraine as war intensifies, with territorial demands and global tensions mounting.
Russia has firmly ruled out peace negotiations to end its nearly three-year war in Ukraine, insisting that Kyiv and its allies must first recognize Moscow’s territorial claims. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared on Wednesday that there are “no grounds for negotiations yet,” doubling down on Russia’s demand for international acknowledgment of its control over Crimea and four partially occupied regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
The Kremlin’s hardline stance comes as military clashes escalate. Russian forces have ramped up offensives in eastern Ukraine, while continuing drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukraine, bolstered by Western-supplied weapons, has launched strikes deep into Russian territory, aiming at military installations and oil facilities.
The backdrop to these developments includes the impending inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to swiftly resolve the war. This has sparked speculation about whether Trump’s approach might lean toward Moscow’s terms or facilitate new negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains resolute, stating this week that Kyiv would accept nothing less than full sovereignty over its territory and NATO membership to secure its future. “This is exactly what we need,” Zelenskyy emphasized after the Biden administration announced a $750 million military aid package to Ukraine.
Observers believe Moscow is preparing to strengthen its position ahead of Trump’s inauguration. Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker, noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely views Trump as a more unpredictable and potentially advantageous counterpart than Biden. “Putin wants to improve his leverage before Trump comes to power,” Merezhko explained.
While rumors of a potential ceasefire freeze along the current battle lines circulate, such a move would leave Moscow in control of significant Ukrainian territory—an outcome Ukraine and its Western allies strongly oppose.
Despite rejecting broad peace talks, Russia has expressed willingness to engage on specific issues. Peskov praised Qatar’s mediation efforts in facilitating the return of Ukrainian children relocated to Russia during the conflict, calling it an example of “goodwill” diplomacy.
As the war grinds on, both sides are doubling down. The Biden administration has approved the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine, aiming to boost Kyiv’s leverage before leaving office. European allies have also pledged additional military support, with Germany recently announcing $680 million in aid during a visit to Kyiv.
With neither side showing signs of compromise, the conflict is poised to continue, raising the stakes for the region and the incoming U.S. administration.
