Kremlin Signals Preconditions for Restarting Trilateral Ukraine Talks

(MENAFN) Russia has indicated that progress in trilateral discussions involving Ukraine and the United States is unlikely unless Kyiv takes what Moscow describes as a significant step toward advancing negotiations, according to a senior Kremlin aide cited by reports.

Yury Ushakov, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, stated that Moscow sees little value in continuing the current format of contacts until what he called “one serious step” is taken by Ukraine. While he did not explicitly define the measure, his remarks were widely interpreted as referring to a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from territories in Donbass still under Kyiv’s control—an issue long demanded by Moscow and rejected by Ukraine.

Ushakov noted that US-mediated discussions have effectively stalled following earlier talks held in Geneva in February. He added that American involvement in the process has since shifted focus to other international developments, which he described as more pressing.

He further suggested that the negotiation framework has narrowed to a single unresolved issue that, in Moscow’s view, would significantly alter the trajectory of the conflict. According to his remarks, such a step could lead to a halt in military operations and open the door to broader discussions on a long-term settlement.

The status of Donbass remains one of the central and most contentious issues in the conflict, with Russia maintaining that a resolution requires Ukrainian withdrawal from the area, while Ukraine continues to reject territorial concessions. Moscow has consistently framed this condition as essential for any durable ceasefire arrangement and further diplomatic progress.

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