Additional Coverage:
Russia remains unwilling to negotiate an end to its war in Ukraine, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Kremlin insists that Ukraine and the West must accept Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory.
Despite talk of peace talks, both sides remain divided on key issues, such as the status of occupied regions and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
Russia and Ukraine have both sought to strengthen their positions in recent months. Ukraine has received military aid from Western allies, while Russia has advanced in eastern Ukraine.
Peskov mentioned Qatar as a possible mediator for peace talks, but the prospects for a deal remain uncertain.
Ukrainian leaders believe that Russia’s inflexible stance may soften after President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January 2025. They speculate that Trump may be perceived as more unpredictable and strong than President Biden.