Kiev disregarded Putin's proposal for discussions.
Here's a rewritten version of the article:
Ukraine and Russia: The Unyielding Stalemate
It seems the proposed talks between Ukraine and Russia without preconditions are still hanging in the balance, according to recent reports by TASS. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, expressed his concerns over Kyiv's lack of response to the Russian initiative.
Peskov admitted, "The Kyiv regime hasn't voiced their stance on this matter, leaving the situation unclear." Back in April, President Vladimir Putin expressed his openness to dialogue with Ukrainian authorities, confirming his readiness for talks sans any prerequisites. Similarly, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shared the same sentiment. However, Lavrov raised eyebrows with his comment about Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire, stating it contradicts the idea of immediate dialogue. Moreover, Lavrov urged caution towards any messages from the Ukrainian side.
Intriguingly, former U.S. President Trump admitted he had lost sleep over the conflict in Ukraine. Current events suggest that Ukraine and its allies have adopted a more firm stance, insisting on a "full, unconditional ceasefire" lasting at least 30 days as a prerequisite for any negotiations with Russia. Despite this, Ukraine has accepted a U.S.-proposed ceasefire initiative with the intention of fostering conditions for peace talks. However, Russia has thus far maintained a more conditional stance, continuing military operations even amid unilateral ceasefires. Ukrainian officials claim Russia has repeatedly violated these truces.
At present, the status of negotiations remains precarious. Ukraine insists on an unconditional ceasefire before engaging in talks, while Russia’s unilateral ceasefires have not led to a cessation of hostilities on the ground. This deadlock marks the primary hurdle, with no formal dialogue resuming beyond these preconditions. The presence of international leaders in Kyiv and ongoing diplomatic efforts indicate sustained pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, a requirement Ukraine and its allies view as essential for future peace talks to proceed.
In summary, Ukraine has not agreed to engage in talks without preconditions and continues to insist on an unconditional ceasefire as the necessary prerequisite to any negotiations with Russia. The conflict remains active with ongoing Russian offensives and no formal peace talks currently underway beyond diplomatic advocacy for a ceasefire.
[1] International Crisis Group. (2025). Russia-Ukraine conflict: A lingering impasse. [ Online]. Available: https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/eastern-europe/ukraine/209-russia-ukraine-conflict
[2] BBC News. (2025). Ukraine crisis: Is peace finally within reach? [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61567038
[3] The Washington Post. (2025). Russia is shying away from peace talks in Ukraine. [Online]. Available: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/15/russia-peace-talks-ukraine/
[4] Reuters. (2025). Ukraine says Russia violated truce over 30 times since starting unilateral ceasefire. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russia-violated-truce-over-30-times-since-starting-unilateral-2025-04-20/
- Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has expressed concerns about Kyiv's response to the Russian initiative for dialogue without preconditions.
- Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, believes Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire as a prerequisite for talks contradicts the idea of immediate dialogue.
- Ukraine's current stance in negotiations involves insisting on a "full, unconditional ceasefire" as a prerequisite for any talks with Russia.
- In contrast, Russia has thus far maintained a more conditional stance, continuing military operations even amid unilateral ceasefires, according to Ukrainian officials.
