Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump have initiated steps toward potential negotiations on the Ukraine conflict, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Following their recent conversation, the two leaders agreed to issue immediate instructions for preparing contacts and determining a meeting location. However, no final decisions have been made regarding the format of the talks or the involvement of other parties.
Peskov emphasized that Trump’s invitation to Moscow does not necessarily mean he will attend the upcoming Victory Day celebrations. Regarding China’s role in the negotiations, he stated that it is too early to determine the composition of participants but reiterated Moscow’s commitment to its relations with Beijing. Notably, the issue of Crimea and the four newly annexed Russian regions was not discussed during the call, signaling a focus on broader peace efforts rather than territorial disputes.
The Kremlin underscored the significance of the dialogue, highlighting that this was the first direct communication between Russian and U.S. leaders in several years. Peskov noted that the Trump administration appears committed to ending the conflict, and Moscow remains open to diplomatic engagement. However, questions remain about Europe’s role in any potential negotiations, as discussions on their participation are considered premature at this stage.
