The Kremlin has expressed readiness to pursue peace talks with Ukraine but remains firm on its strategic goals, including demands related to territorial control and NATO policy.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in an interview on Russian state television, stated that President Vladimir Putin is still committed to a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, but emphasized that the process will be complex and driven by Russia&rsquo;s national objectives.
&ldquo;President Putin has reiterated his desire to reach a peaceful settlement in Ukraine swiftly,&rdquo; Peskov said, while adding, &ldquo;Our goals are transparent and unchanged.&rdquo;
Russia continues to insist on conditions for peace, including Ukraine&rsquo;s withdrawal from the four contested regions and a formal commitment to stay out of NATO and cease all NATO military activity on its soil.
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Kyiv has initiated efforts to restart dialogue with Moscow. In his recent address to the nation, Zelensky stressed the need to &ldquo;do everything possible to reach a ceasefire.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, international dynamics around the conflict are heating up. On July 14, former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine via NATO and warned of &ldquo;very severe tariffs&rdquo; on Russia if no ceasefire is achieved within 50 days.
Moscow rejected Trump&rsquo;s ultimatum outright, calling it unacceptable. U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, added that Trump&rsquo;s comments could provoke a reaction from Russian President Putin, possibly escalating tensions further.
Trump expressed frustration over his past attempts to broker peace, saying, &ldquo;We had a deal almost four times, and it just kept falling apart.&rdquo; He also remarked, &ldquo;My conversations with Putin are always pleasant &ndash; and then missiles launch that night.&rdquo;
As both sides navigate the fragile diplomacy, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain, with hardened positions on both ends and growing global pressure to reach a ceasefire.

Russia Signals Talks, Won’t Shift on Ukraine Goals

Kremlin ready for talks, but insists Ukraine must exit NATO bid and cede four regions.

Russia Signals Talks, Won’t Shift on Ukraine Goals

Kremlin ready for talks, but insists Ukraine must exit NATO bid and cede four regions.

July 21, 2025 | 20:10 IST