Kremlin calls Ukraine's NATO non-accession a key issue for peace talks

The Kremlin has emphasized that securing a guarantee against Ukraine's future membership in NATO is a central and distinct requirement for any peace settlement. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that the issue "deserves special consideration compared to the others," framing it as a fundamental Russian security concern that negotiations must address.

Context of Zelenskyy's shifted position

Peskov's comments follow statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who recently described bilateral security guarantees from the US and European nations as a potential "compromise" in lieu of NATO accession. This represents a significant evolution from Ukraine's prior constitutional commitment to join the alliance, a prospect Russia has long described as an existential threat and a primary justification for its invasion.

Monitoring of Berlin peace discussions

Peskov also addressed the ongoing high-level talks in Berlin, noting that Washington is not actively providing Moscow with updates on their progress. He stated Russia expects to hear from the US side after the consultations conclude. The meetings involve Ukrainian officials, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior advisor Jared Kushner, and are part of a sustained diplomatic push to formulate a peace framework after more than three years of war.

Broader diplomatic efforts and upcoming summit

The Berlin talks resumed on Monday after a five-hour session on Sunday and precede a broader European summit expected later in the day, which will include EU and NATO representatives. It remains uncertain whether US officials will participate in that multilateral meeting. The discussions in Germany follow previous rounds held in Switzerland, the United States, and Istanbul, indicating a concerted but complex effort to bridge profound differences on security architecture and territorial status.