The Kremlin has underscored the importance of sustained communication with America over the Ukraine situation, signaling a willingness to pursue diplomatic avenues despite deep-seated mistrust. Speaking in Moscow on Thursday, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed speculation about upcoming trips by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, confirming Russia’s readiness to host them upon scheduling.
Echoing President Trump’s candid critique, Peskov agreed that Zelenskyy’s leadership is impeding progress toward peace. He described Ukraine’s strategic options as rapidly diminishing amid battlefield realities and internal challenges. Trump’s Wednesday remarks to reporters were unequivocal: Putin is primed for agreement, but Zelenskyy stands in the way, explaining the stall in U.S.-led talks.
Parallel discussions involve arms control, where Russia awaits U.S. feedback on extending New START limits by a year. This landmark 2010 treaty caps nuclear arsenals and remains a cornerstone of global stability, renewed in 2021 through 2026. Putin’s earlier overture in September reiterated Russia’s commitment conditional on mutual adherence.
As the conflict drags into its third year, the Kremlin’s remarks reflect a calculated push for engagement with the incoming Trump administration. Analysts see this as Moscow’s strategy to exploit potential shifts in U.S. policy, aiming to weaken Western unity on sanctions and military aid to Ukraine. The absence of New START response adds uncertainty to nuclear diplomacy, with implications rippling across international security frameworks.
