MOSCOW – Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the new post-war realities, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday, expressing cautious optimism about advancing toward a third round of peace talks with Kyiv. Speaking to RBC on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Peskov stated that Ukraine must recognize that “the situation has changed compared to what it was three years ago.”
Peskov said Moscow had submitted a memorandum outlining these “new realities,” suggesting that Kyiv may not fully grasp them yet but has “at least carefully read the text.” He pointed to humanitarian agreements—such as the return of wounded prisoners—as progress that could lay the groundwork for more substantial dialogue.
Regarding future diplomacy, Peskov said a possible trilateral summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would require “long-term work” and clearly defined points of agreement.
The Kremlin reiterated its call for Kyiv to resume talks, referencing the previous negotiations in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2, which ended without a breakthrough.
