Kremlin says Ukraine peace talks on hold with 'no new ideas'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday that Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations remain suspended, stating that Moscow has seen "no new ideas" emerge regarding a potential settlement to the four-year conflict. Peskov told journalists that Ukrainian officials are fully aware of Russia's demands for ending the war, but accused Kyiv of lacking genuine intent to resolve the crisis through diplomatic means.

"The issue of peace negotiations: yes, this topic is currently on hold, and there are no new ideas," Peskov said, adding that Russia's military operations would continue. "That is why we continue to ensure such positive momentum on the front lines," he stated, referring to ongoing Russian military advances in Ukrainian territory.

Last talks held in early 2025

Moscow and Kyiv last engaged in direct peace negotiations under US mediation earlier this year — holding three rounds of talks between January and February. The first two sessions took place in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24 and Feb. 4-5, while the third round convened in Geneva on Feb. 17-18.

Negotiations have remained paused since late February, with both capitals attributing the diplomatic freeze to Washington's shifting foreign policy priorities. Peskov noted that the US administration has focused its attention on the escalating conflict with Iran, which began in late February, effectively sidelining efforts to broker a settlement in Ukraine.

Diplomatic channels with Washington

Peskov dismissed prospects for an imminent telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, stating that no such call is currently scheduled. The spokesman's remarks followed a visit to Moscow earlier this week by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, which had sparked speculation about potential high-level contacts between the two leaders.

Preparations are concurrently underway for Putin's upcoming visit to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where he is expected to maintain a "very busy schedule" of bilateral meetings. Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov will brief journalists regarding the visit's agenda, Peskov said, noting that discussions will center on Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) matters.

SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz capital is scheduled to host the latest SCO summit on Sept. 1, marking the organization's 25th anniversary. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the meeting alongside other heads of state and government from member nations.

The summit agenda will address regional security concerns and multilateral cooperation frameworks, though Ukraine is not a member of the China-dominated organization. Peskov emphasized that Putin's participation demonstrates Russia's continued engagement with Central Asian partners despite Western sanctions and the ongoing military operation in Ukraine.