Russia has expressed willingness to engage in negotiations over the ongoing war in Ukraine and welcomed peace efforts from various global actors, the Kremlin announced on Monday. The statement came after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump called for an “immediate ceasefire” during a meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Following the November 7 meeting at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “There should be an immediate ceasefire, and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed.”
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “We have carefully read the statement by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Russia is open to negotiations on Ukraine and welcomes peace initiatives.” Peskov added that the conditions for ceasing hostilities had already been outlined by President Vladimir Putin.
Global Support for Peace Initiatives
The Kremlin emphasized its openness to mediation efforts, particularly from countries in the Global South and BRICS nations such as China, Brazil, and South Africa. It also highlighted contributions from Middle Eastern nations like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, which have been active on humanitarian fronts.
However, Peskov criticized Ukraine’s refusal to engage in dialogue. He claimed that Zelenskyy’s government had issued a decree explicitly barring negotiations with Moscow. “What bears reminding is that it was Ukraine that rejected negotiations and continues to do so. Zelenskyy himself has banned his administration from engaging with Russian leadership,” Peskov said.
Path to Peace
According to Peskov, peace could be achieved if Ukraine rescinded the decree, resumed dialogue based on the Istanbul agreements, and acknowledged the “realities of today.” He reiterated Russia’s stance that conditions for a ceasefire had been detailed by Putin earlier this year during a speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Background and Ongoing Conflict
The Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite repeated international calls for peace, both parties have struggled to engage in meaningful negotiations.
While Trump has stated he intends to end the war as a priority of his presidency, significant obstacles remain, including entrenched positions from both sides. The Kremlin’s latest comments underscore a readiness for talks but place the onus on Ukraine to initiate the process.
