Kremlin Says No Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks

September 22 ------ The Kremlin said that negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine had made no progress, while expressing hope that talks involving Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington would eventually resume. “There have been no developments in the negotiation process so far,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian state media.

Peskov added that Russia hoped for the resumption of trilateral negotiations over Ukraine but did not suggest a possible date or venue for another meeting. He also provided no details about contacts currently underway between the three sides or any steps Moscow was prepared to take to restart the process.

Trilateral talks stalled after three rounds

Representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the US held three rounds of trilateral negotiations in early 2026 – two in Abu Dhabi in January and February, followed by another meeting in Geneva on Feb. 17-18. The talks produced a prisoner exchange but did not result in a comprehensive ceasefire or political settlement.

The sides described the discussions as constructive, while acknowledging that major disagreements remained over occupied Ukrainian territories, security guarantees, and the conditions for ending hostilities. No further trilateral meetings have taken place since February.

Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine recognize Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory and withdraw its forces from areas that Russia claims but does not fully control. Kyiv has rejected those demands and insists that any settlement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and provide enforceable security guarantees.

Zelensky and Trump prepare to meet

Peskov’s comments came as President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump prepared to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Zelensky said on Sunday that the two leaders had agreed to meet and discuss steps toward ending the war.

Zelensky said diplomatic momentum had increased following a recent visit to Kyiv by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He added that Ukraine was ready to take substantial steps toward de-escalation and the protection of energy infrastructure, food security, and human life.

However, Russia has continued its attacks against Ukrainian cities and has not publicly agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire. Peskov separately announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet the leaders of parliamentary factions following Russia’s Sept. 18-20 State Duma elections.

Source: kyivpost.com