U.S. negotiators think Russia may return to peace talks after its parliamentary elections. Zelensky expects Moscow’s rhetoric to change then, too.
Russia has shown a new willingness to resume peace talks, according to the French newspaper Le Figaro and the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, citing sources in French President Emmanuel Macron’s administration. American negotiators conveyed that assessment to Paris.
American negotiators informed French President Emmanuel Macron’s administration that Russia appears more willing to engage in peace talks following its parliamentary elections. A source in Macron’s administration stated that Russia's new willingness to negotiate should prompt preparation for fresh discussions. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, remains insistent on only meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the final stage of negotiations, setting conditions that are deemed unacceptable by a source.
European countries are expected to continue their involvement in the talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky indicated that discussions between the three countries – Ukraine, Russia, and the United States – are progressing, though he did not provide specifics. He suggested that energy compromise and joint steps towards resolving issues are necessary.
Zelensky believes Russia will "show strength" through continuous airstrikes in Ukraine until the parliamentary elections, anticipating a shift in Moscow's rhetoric post-elections. Russian officials have confirmed their readiness to resume talks following Putin's meeting with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the Americans' visit "one small step toward peace," but cautioned that a discussion on the location and timing is premature.
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