Moscow – In a significant statement amid escalating tensions, the Kremlin emphasized on Thursday the critical need to maintain ongoing dialogue with the United States regarding the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted this during comments on potential visits by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner to Russia.
Peskov expressed optimism, noting that Russia anticipates these visits once dates are finalized. He aligned Russia’s stance with Trump’s recent assertion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is obstructing peace efforts. ‘Ukraine’s position is deteriorating daily, with its room for maneuver constantly narrowing,’ Peskov observed, painting a picture of mounting pressure on Kyiv.
Trump had bluntly pointed to Zelenskyy as the roadblock during a Wednesday media interaction, stating that while Russian President Vladimir Putin appears ready for a deal, Ukraine does not. This comes as negotiations led by the U.S. have yet to yield a resolution to the protracted war.
On another front, Peskov revealed that Russia has received no response from Washington on its proposal to extend restrictions under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for another year. Signed in 2010, this pact limits deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems, standing as the sole active nuclear arms control agreement between the two superpowers.
Extended in February 2021 to run until 2026, the treaty’s future hangs in balance. Putin had previously indicated in September that Russia would comply if the U.S. reciprocates. As geopolitical stakes rise, the Kremlin’s call for continued U.S. engagement underscores a desire for diplomatic channels to remain open, potentially averting further escalation in Europe and beyond.
