Key facts
- Russia is open to new proposals for a settlement in Ukraine, provided they reflect current "realities on the ground."
- The U.S. and Ukraine are coordinating new peace proposals to present to Moscow.
- A U.S. official suggested Russia might be more open to a partial air ceasefire.
- President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky are preparing to discuss the next phase of a peace initiative.
- Ukraine has intensified strikes inside Russia, while Russia has escalated attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Russia has indicated a willingness to consider new proposals for a settlement in the Ukraine conflict, provided they acknowledge the current "realities on the ground," according to a senior Russian diplomat. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that while Russia is open to dialogue, the focus should be on Washington's ability to influence Kyiv and its European allies.
Meanwhile, Ukraine and the U.S. are reportedly aligning on a new peace initiative, with officials hoping that shifts in the war's dynamics might encourage Russia to engage in negotiations. These proposals are expected to reflect recent battlefield developments. One U.S. official suggested that Russia might be more amenable to a partial ceasefire in the air, given Ukraine's expanded strikes within Russian territory.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has been engaged in discussions with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding a revised negotiation framework. Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump are also preparing to meet to discuss the next steps in this peace initiative. Trump has previously expressed support for facilitating such talks and has agreed to license the production of Patriot interceptors to Ukraine. Recent military actions include Ukraine intensifying strikes on Russian targets and Russia escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities.