Putin tells Trump peace talks unlikely after Ukrainian drone attacks during elections

In a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was ready to resume negotiations with Kyiv after the parliamentary elections, but drone attacks on the capital made the resumption of trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US unlikely, according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.

"By launching a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, other cities and polling stations on the most important day of the elections, and by targeting some people involved in organising the elections, the Kyiv regime has, in reality, interrupted the possibility of an immediate resumption of the negotiation process," Ushakov said about the call. He added that Russia will now assess when negotiations can resume.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Russia's war in Ukraine is at a dangerous stalemate and the United States will keep working towards a deal to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that Ukraine was ready to hold trilateral talks with the US and Russia this month.

Separately, Trump announced after the call that Russia agreed to deliver more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to American and global markets. The deal drew criticism from US lawmakers, Zelenskyy and European allies. Zelenskyy called it a "gift to Putin," saying that all the money goes towards war against Ukraine. In response, a UK government spokesperson said the United Kingdom will continue to "maintain pressure on Russia through the toughest sanctions regime ever imposed by the UK."

Analysis

Why This Matters

The interruption of talks prolongs the conflict in Ukraine, with no clear path to a ceasefire or peace deal.
The US-Russia diesel deal could ease fuel prices in the US but undermines sanctions and draws sharp criticism from Ukraine and European allies.
The diplomatic stalemate increases risks of further escalation and civilian casualties.

Background

The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, has seen periodic efforts at negotiation. Trilateral talks involving the US have been proposed as a potential framework. Last month's Russian parliamentary elections were accompanied by a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, which Russia cites as a barrier to talks. The US has pursued separate energy agreements with Russia, including the recent diesel deal, which has strained alliances.

Key Perspectives

[Russia]: The Kremlin argues that Ukraine's drone attacks deliberately disrupted the negotiation process, and that it will decide when conditions are suitable to resume talks. [Ukraine]: President Zelenskyy has expressed readiness for trilateral talks but harshly criticises the US-Russia diesel deal, viewing it as funding Russia's war effort. [US and Allies]: The Trump administration continues to push for a diplomatic resolution while pursuing energy deals for domestic relief. The UK and European allies maintain strong sanctions and oppose any deals that benefit Russia economically.

What to Watch

Whether Russia sets specific conditions for resuming trilateral talks.
Implementation and scale of the Russian diesel deliveries to global markets.
Further Ukrainian drone strikes or Russian retaliatory actions that could delay diplomacy.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources