Kremlin Suggests Ukraine War Could End if Kyiv Changes Course

(MENAFN) The Kremlin said Tuesday that the conflict in Ukraine could come to an end at any time if Kyiv accepts what Moscow described as the “necessary decisions” and takes responsibility for resolving the situation.

Speaking during a briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "Kyiv is well aware of the decisions that need to be made."

He also confirmed that Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine continues following the expiration of a three-day ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump, which ended at 2100 GMT on Monday.

"The humanitarian ceasefire has ended, and the special military operation continues," he emphasized.

Commenting on the possibility of direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Peskov said a meeting could theoretically happen not only in Moscow but “anywhere else.”

“It only makes sense to meet anywhere else if the (settlement) process is fully finalized," Peskov underlined. "And to finalize it, a lot of homework still needs to be done."

According to reports, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Sunday that negotiations would remain deadlocked regardless of how many rounds are held unless Ukraine withdraws its forces from the Donbas region.

Russia and Ukraine have participated in numerous peace negotiations since the war began in February 2022, including several rounds mediated by the United States in early 2026. However, the talks have failed to produce a breakthrough due to deep disputes over territorial issues.

MENAFN13052026000045017640ID1111106855