Russia Demands Donbas Withdrawal for Peace Talks as US Mediates
In May 2026, following a brief US-mediated ceasefire, diplomatic tensions escalated as Russia demanded Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas to resume peace negotiations. While President Putin claimed the war is nearing its end and expressed willingness to meet President Zelenskyy solely for signing a final treaty, Kyiv rejected territorial concessions and insisted on neutral venues and security guarantees. Despite ongoing US mediation efforts involving prisoner exchanges, intense frontline combat continued, highlighting a significant deadlock between Moscow’s maximalist demands and Ukraine’s refusal to cede sovereign territory.
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Kremlin Hopes Ukraine Peace Process Will Resume Despite Current Halt
The Kremlin has expressed hope that the peace process regarding the conflict in Ukraine will eventually resume, despite acknowledging that negotiations are currently suspended. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin Spokesman, stated this position while addressing reporters in Moscow on May 18, 2026. He confirmed that the diplomatic efforts are on hold but emphasized Moscow's desire for their continuation. This statement was made in response to questions concerning recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had warned that military strikes on Kiev could complicate potential peace negotiations. The article highlights the ongoing diplomatic tension and the conditional nature of future talks, linking them to military developments and international political pressure. While the primary focus is on the status of peace talks, the report also situates this development within a broader context of geopolitical interactions involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. The source, TASS, presents the Kremlin's perspective directly, indicating a strategic communication effort to signal openness to diplomacy while maintaining current operational stances.
TASSPeskov: Ukraine Conflict Nearing End Pending Kyiv's Decisions
Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that available data indicates the conflict in Ukraine is nearing its end, although concrete details remain unspecified. Speaking on May 12, 2026, Peskov clarified President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks, emphasizing that military operations will cease only when Kyiv assumes responsibility and makes necessary decisions. He reiterated Russia’s openness to contacts and welcomed continued US mediation efforts. Peskov noted that while a Victory Day armistice has ended, the operation continues until specific conditions are met. These conditions include Ukraine adopting a neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free status, undergoing demilitarization, and recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, Sevastopol, Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Additionally, Putin expressed readiness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy solely for signing final agreements, citing preparatory work as still necessary. The spokesman also referenced failed 2022 Istanbul negotiations, blaming Western leaders for undermining the deal. This statement underscores Moscow’s stance that peace is imminent but contingent on Ukrainian compliance with longstanding Russian demands and the lifting of Western sanctions.
Digi24Peskov: Ukraine Conflict Nearing End Pending Kyiv's Decisions
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that available data indicates the conflict in Ukraine is nearing its end, although concrete details remain unspecified. Speaking on May 12, 2026, Peskov emphasized that the military operation will conclude only when the Ukrainian government in Kyiv takes responsibility and makes necessary decisions. He reiterated Putin’s openness to contacts and welcomed continued US mediation efforts. Peskov clarified that while the Victory Day armistice has ended, hostilities could cease immediately if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agrees to final terms. Putin remains willing to meet Zelenskyy solely for signing final agreements, noting that significant preparatory work is still required. The article references Putin’s previous conditions, including Ukraine’s neutral status, demilitarization, and recognition of Russian-controlled territories. Putin also criticized Western leaders, specifically Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson, for allegedly undermining a 2022 initialled agreement in Istanbul. The statement reflects Moscow’s stance that the war’s end depends on Kyiv accepting Russia’s strategic demands and eliminating the conflict's fundamental causes.
Digi24Kremlin Claims End of Ukraine War Is Approaching Amid Contradictory Statements
The Kremlin has reiterated President Vladimir Putin's assertion that the war in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion, directly contradicting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent warnings that Russia intends to continue hostilities. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that preparatory work for a peace agreement involving Ukraine and the United States is underway, though specific details remain scarce. This development occurs against the backdrop of US-mediated negotiations convened by Donald Trump, which have yet to yield a final peace deal. Key sticking points include Russia's demand for additional territorial concessions and Kyiv's insistence on the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied regions. A brief ceasefire mediated by the US recently took place between May 9 and 11, coinciding with the WWII victory anniversary. While large-scale air strikes were halted, both sides reported continued frontline fighting and mutual accusations of drone and artillery violations. Peskov indicated Putin's readiness to meet Zelenskyy personally once the peace process is finalized, placing the onus on Kyiv to make necessary decisions to end the five-year conflict.
444Kremlin Reiterates Putin's Claim That Ukraine War Is Nearing End Despite Zelenskyy's Doubts
The Kremlin has reaffirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin's assertion that the war in Ukraine is approaching its conclusion, following contradictory statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On May 12, 2026, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that trilateral groundwork involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States suggests the conflict's completion is near, although specific details remain undisclosed. This stance contrasts sharply with Zelenskyy's recent declaration that Moscow has no intention of ending the war and that Kyiv is preparing for new attacks. The diplomatic friction occurs amidst U.S.-mediated peace efforts led by President Donald Trump, which have yet to yield a formal agreement. Russia currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory and demands further concessions, while Kyiv insists on a full Russian withdrawal. A short ceasefire mediated by the U.S. expired on May 11, coinciding with World War II victory anniversaries. While large-scale airstrikes were absent during this period, both sides reported continued frontline fighting and mutual accusations of drone and artillery violations. Peskov indicated that Putin is willing to meet Zelenskyy once preparatory peace work is finalized, placing the onus on Kyiv to make necessary decisions.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduKremlin Clarifies No Specifics on Ending Ukraine War Despite Putin's Remarks
The Kremlin stated there are no concrete plans or specifics regarding the end of the war in Ukraine, clarifying recent comments by President Vladimir Putin who suggested the conflict was winding down. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that while groundwork for peace has been accumulated, no detailed roadmap exists currently. This clarification follows the collapse of a three-day ceasefire initiated by US President Donald Trump, which both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of violating. Hostilities resumed immediately after the truce expired, with Russia launching over 200 drones against Ukrainian infrastructure and Ukraine retaliating with attacks on Russian territory. Putin indicated he would only meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outside Russia to sign a final deal, maintaining maximalist demands including Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region. The renewed violence underscores the stagnation in negotiations, which have been largely sidelined by other global conflicts. Meanwhile, war fatigue is reportedly affecting Putin’s domestic approval ratings, adding pressure to the ongoing military campaign that has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and massive displacement.
Latest NewsKremlin Reiterates Putin's Claim That Ukraine War Is Nearly Over
The Kremlin has reiterated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertion that the war in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion, following contradictory statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. While Putin stated on Saturday that the conflict is coming to an end, Zelenskiy argued on Monday that Moscow has no intention of stopping hostilities and is preparing for new attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov supported Putin’s view, citing accumulated groundwork in trilateral peace talks involving the United States, though he admitted specific details remain scarce. The article highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have yet to yield a formal peace deal. Russia currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukraine and demands further territorial concessions, while Kyiv insists on the complete withdrawal of Russian troops. A brief U.S.-mediated ceasefire occurred in May, but fighting continued along the front lines despite the pause. Peskov indicated that Putin is willing to meet Zelenskiy once preparatory work for peace is finalized, placing the onus on Kyiv to make necessary decisions. The conflicting narratives underscore the deep divisions remaining between the two nations as the war enters its fifth year.
Cyprus MailZelenskyy Claims Putin Willing to Negotiate as US Mediates Prisoner Exchange
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is finally willing to engage in real negotiations to end the war, stating that Kyiv has effectively pushed Moscow toward dialogue. Despite this diplomatic opening, intense fighting continues along the front line, with over 150 military operations recorded recently. Zelenskyy emphasized that any talks must establish a concrete format and provide durable security guarantees for Ukraine, rejecting Moscow as a potential venue in favor of neutral locations. Concurrently, the United States, under Donald Trump’s team, is mediating a significant prisoner exchange deal involving 1,000 captives from each side. While Putin declared the war is heading toward its end following the May 9 Victory Day parade, he blamed Western elites for prolonging the conflict. The situation remains tense as Russia maintains offensive actions in key areas despite a temporary ceasefire framework that limited heavy equipment displays during recent parades. Kyiv seeks immediate responses if large-scale attacks resume, balancing diplomatic efforts with military readiness.
Digi24Zelensky Claims Putin Willing for Real Negotiations Amid Ongoing Frontline Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is finally willing to engage in genuine negotiations to end the war, stating that Kyiv has effectively pushed Moscow toward this position. Despite this diplomatic development, intense combat continues along the front lines, with Zelenskyy reporting over 150 assault operations and nearly 10,000 drone attacks over the recent weekend. Ukraine is currently seeking a concrete format for dialogue, insisting on neutral venues rather than Moscow, while demanding durable security guarantees as a precondition for any agreement. Simultaneously, Kyiv is preparing a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 captives on each side, mediated by the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump’s team. Although Russia observed a temporary ceasefire during its Victory Day parade, Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine would respond immediately if large-scale attacks resume. The situation remains volatile, with both sides maneuvering militarily and diplomatically. Putin has claimed the war is heading toward its end, attributing previous delays to Western elites, while Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for reliable security frameworks to ensure lasting peace.
Digi24Zelensky Claims Putin Signals Readiness for Direct Peace Meetings
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in his evening video address that Russian President Vladimir Putin has finally expressed readiness for genuine diplomatic meetings. Zelensky stated that Ukraine had pushed Moscow toward this position and emphasized that Kyiv has long been prepared for such negotiations, though a specific format still needs to be established. The Ukrainian leader stressed the urgent necessity of ending the war and securing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. He highlighted ongoing separate discussions with the United States focused specifically on security issues, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's diplomatic position with capable partners. This development contrasts with earlier statements from Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, who indicated that trilateral negotiations involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia were inappropriate unless Kyiv withdrew its troops from controlled parts of the Donbas region. The report underscores the complex diplomatic landscape as both sides signal potential shifts in their approach to conflict resolution, with Ukraine seeking robust international support to ensure strong negotiating leverage.
Latest newsKremlin Demands Ukrainian Troop Withdrawal from Donbass for Peace Talks
Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov has stated that the peace process regarding the Ukraine conflict will remain stalled until Ukrainian military forces withdraw from the Donbass region. Speaking to journalist Pavel Zarubin, Ushakov emphasized that further diplomatic rounds would be futile without this specific precondition, asserting that Kyiv is aware of this requirement and will eventually comply. The statement comes amidst slowed negotiations following US-mediated meetings in Geneva earlier in 2026, under the administration of President Donald Trump. Ushakov noted that while Washington is currently focused on the Middle East, it remains engaged in the Ukraine issue, with potential visits from Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Russia anticipated. Moscow claims that most of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions are already under Russian control following their annexation in 2022. However, the Ukrainian leadership continues to refuse recognition of these territorial changes, maintaining that recapturing these areas remains a primary strategic goal. This declaration highlights the significant deadlock in current diplomatic efforts, with Russia insisting on territorial concessions as a prerequisite for any cessation of hostilities or meaningful political settlement.
RT - Daily newsZelenskyy: Putin Ready for Real Meetings to End War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has finally expressed willingness to engage in substantive meetings aimed at ending the ongoing war. In his evening address on May 10, 2026, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s diplomatic and military pressure has pushed Moscow toward this position. He emphasized that while Kyiv has long been prepared for such dialogue, a mutually acceptable format for the negotiations must now be established to ensure reliable security guarantees. This development follows Putin’s remarks on May 9, where he invited Zelenskyy to Moscow or suggested a third-country venue only after final peace treaty agreements are reached. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously clarified that Kyiv would reject any meeting held in Russia or Belarus. The statement marks a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics, as both leaders acknowledge the necessity of direct engagement, though significant disagreements regarding the location and preconditions for talks remain unresolved. The focus now shifts to finding a neutral ground and framework that satisfies both parties' security concerns.
Ukrainska PravdaRussia Demands Ukrainian Withdrawal from Donbas to Resume Peace Talks
Following a three-day armistice, the Kremlin has expressed readiness to rapidly resume US-mediated peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, contingent upon specific conditions. Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin’s advisor on negotiations, stated on state television that Kyiv must withdraw its forces from the Donbas region, comprising Luhansk and Donetsk. Ushakov argued that despite potential dozens of negotiation rounds, progress will remain stalled until this territorial concession is made, asserting that Ukrainian authorities inevitably recognize this necessity. While Putin indicated willingness to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it would only be for signing a final peace treaty, not for preliminary talks. Zelenskyy has consistently rejected territorial cessions, citing constitutional prohibitions and demanding security guarantees. Meanwhile, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected in Moscow soon to facilitate mediation. Despite the ceasefire, both sides have reported thousands of violations, though attacks on energy infrastructure have reportedly decreased. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts hinge on irreconcilable territorial demands.
Digi24Kremlin Claims Putin Ready to Negotiate with Europeans Amid EU Diplomatic Shift
According to recent media reports, the Kremlin has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to engage in negotiations with European states to end the war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia is ready to advance dialogue as soon as Europeans are willing, referencing a Financial Times report on EU preparations for potential talks. EU Council President António Costa acknowledged the potential for negotiations between the international community and Putin, a move reportedly supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This diplomatic shift is attributed to growing European frustration with previous negotiation efforts led by US President Donald Trump. Despite these developments, tensions remain high, with Moscow accusing Europe of warmongering while continuing military operations. Concurrently, the World Health Organization reported over 3,000 attacks on health facilities in Ukraine since 2022, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Additionally, a unilateral ceasefire declared by Moscow failed to hold, with both sides reporting continued attacks. The situation underscores the complex and volatile nature of current diplomatic and military engagements in the region.
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