Vladimir Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow does not rule out the resumption of trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the US. The Kremlin has welcomed the latest diplomatic mission to Moscow and Kyiv by US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Peskov described any fruitful diplomatic contacts as «a small step towards peace» and stated that Moscow highly values the mediation efforts of Donald Trump’s administration.
The Kremlin has not ruled out a return to the trilateral format
Peskov confirmed that Russia is prepared to consider a return to negotiations within the framework of Russia — USA — Ukraine, which had been used in earlier stages of the diplomatic process.
«We, too, do not rule out the resumption of this trilateral format, but it is too early to comment on the venue and exact dates,» said the Kremlin spokesperson.
The idea of reviving this format had also been put forward by US representatives the day before. After negotiations In Kyiv, Jared Kushner stated that bringing all three parties back to the negotiating table could prove productive.
US special representatives also expressed the hope that a new round of talks might be announced in the near future.
Vitkoff and Kushner brought back some new proposals
On 5 September, Witkoff and Kushner held more than three hours at a meeting with Putin in Moscow. According to Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, the Americans have put forward a number of new ideas regarding a possible resolution to the war.
The parties have not disclosed the specific details of these proposals. Peskov also declined to say whether the new package differs from previous US proposals.
After Moscow, the American delegation travelled to Kyiv. Witkoff described the talks with the Ukrainian side as encouraging, whilst Kushner stated that Donald Trump was seeking not merely to bring about a temporary cessation of hostilities, but to create the conditions for lasting peace.
The positions of Ukraine and Russia remain far apart
Despite the revival of diplomatic relations, fundamental differences between Kyiv and Moscow remain.
Russia continues to demand territorial concessions and Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO membership. Kyiv rejects these conditions and insists on reliable security guarantees and a peace agreement that will not create the conditions for renewed Russian aggression.
According to Reuters, no breakthrough was achieved following the talks in Moscow. Nor has the Kremlin indicated any willingness to abandon its previous territorial demands.
Russia continued its heavy strikes following the departure of the Americans
Amid the Kremlin’s statements about moving towards peace, Russia, on the night of 8 September has resumed large-scale strikes on Kyiv following a brief pause that occurred whilst the American negotiators were there.
Two people were killed and a further ten were injured in the attack on the capital. Residential buildings, a school, a medical facility, halls of residence and other civilian targets were damaged.
Consequently, these new diplomatic efforts have not yet led to a cessation of hostilities. The parties are discussing the possibility of resuming negotiations, but No specific decision has yet been taken regarding the date, venue and agenda of the next trilateral meeting.
