Russia rules out freezing war in Ukraine ahead of US envoy visits to Kyiv, Moscow

Russia firmly opposes freezing its war with Ukraine until Moscow addresses the "root causes" of the crisis, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. The remarks come as the United States mulls reviving stalled peace talks, including a potential agreement to halt air attacks between the two nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that a ceasefire is unattainable without resolving the underlying issues.

Galuzin dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's stance, alleging he has "lost all touch with reality" and is attempting to escalate the conflict. He also criticized the U.S. approach, deeming the provision of arms, intelligence, and other support as incompatible with a peace commitment. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to visit Kyiv and Moscow to propose new measures, while Kyiv insists on a freeze of the current front line as a realistic basis for a ceasefire.

Russia, however, insists on Ukrainian forces withdrawing from parts of Donbas before agreeing to any deal, a demand Ukraine has rejected. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian military installations, logistics hubs, and strategic targets within Russia, while Moscow has intensified missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.

U.S. officials suggest both sides might be open to an air ceasefire, but Russia remains more focused on battlefield progress than negotiations.