According to the Kremlin, U.S.-Russian talks have now increased significantly, marking the first time Moscow has suggested the two nations are debating a possible strategy to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
President Trump has stated time and time again that he will negotiate a settlement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Although he hasn’t given many specifics, Trump stated last week that his administration has already had serious talks with Russia over the crisis.
Questions on the U.S. initiative had previously been dismissed by Peskov, but his remarks on Wednesday marked the first time he had admitted that some sort of contact was taking place.
Peskov’s comments coincide with a growing readiness on both sides to engage in dialogue in an effort to end the war. Peskov stated that Moscow was willing to speak with Zelensky for the purpose of discussions, despite the Kremlin’s repeated accusations that he is not legitimate as president.
In a similar vein, Zelensky stated in an interview on Tuesday that he was prepared to have direct discussions with Putin.
After months of doubt about Trump’s capacity to fulfill his pledges, the Kremlin’s confirmation of contacts is the first tangible indication of conversations moving forward.
Trump has openly called for a meeting, but there has been no confirmed communication between the two leaders, leaving observers unsure of how soon any possible conversations could begin.
Additionally, Trump has shown signs of growing impatience with Putin, and he and his advisors have been suggesting ways to pressure Russia into making concessions through tighter sanctions or by lowering the price of Russia’s primary export, oil.
In contrast, Putin has publicly praised Trump, even stating last month that he agreed with Trump’s unfounded claims that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen from him and that the conflict in Ukraine might not have begun if Trump had been in power.
[READ MORE: Venezuela Releases Six Americans During Visit of Trump Envoy]
