Russia has expressed appreciation for U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to swiftly end hostilities in Ukraine but emphasized that the conflict’s underlying issues cannot be resolved through rushed measures, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Speaking to Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday, Peskov acknowledged Trump’s “sincere wish to resolve all acute crises, including the one surrounding Ukraine,” noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly highlighted this sentiment. However, he cautioned against excessive urgency, stating, “a conflict like the Ukraine one… is so complex that it cannot be resolved overnight.”
Peskov revealed that peace negotiations have been temporarily paused due to Kiev and its European allies showing no willingness to resume talks. He underscored that any future summit between Putin and Trump should not occur merely for symbolic reasons, as neither side intends to waste time on inconclusive discussions.
Top diplomats from both nations—Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—are tasked with preparing groundwork for potential high-level negotiations, Peskov added. He stressed the complexity of the process, requiring substantial efforts before meaningful dialogue can commence.
Earlier this month, Trump called for an immediate halt to fighting along current front lines, urging Moscow and Kiev to “leave it the way it is right now” and negotiate later. In response, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s preference for a “long-term, sustainable peace” over an “immediate, pointless ceasefire.”
Meanwhile, Putin hinted at the possibility of a future meeting with Trump, while the U.S. president suggested he would not “waste my time” on unproductive talks.
