Kremlin says it does not rule out restart of peace talks with Ukraine and US - Reuters

**Kremlin Leaves Door Open to Renewed Peace Negotiations**

Moscow announced on Thursday that it “does not rule out” the possibility of restarting peace talks with Kyiv and the United States, a statement that marks a subtle shift from the more confrontational posture the Kremlin has maintained since the invasion began in February 2022. The remarks, conveyed by a Kremlin spokesperson to Reuters, came after a series of high‑profile diplomatic contacts in the region, suggesting that Russian officials are willing to consider a diplomatic pathway, albeit without committing to a specific timeline or format for negotiations. The Kremlin’s language stopped short of a formal invitation, instead framing any future talks as contingent on “mutual interests” and “respect for sovereignty,” terms that have historically been points of contention between Moscow and Kyiv.

In parallel, senior U.S. officials made a rare visit to Kyiv, holding what they described as “substantive” talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The delegation, led by top envoys from the State Department, discussed a range of issues, from military aid to the prospect of a trilateral dialogue that would also involve Russia. U.S. diplomatic adviser Michael Witkoff expressed confidence that a “good resolution” could emerge if all parties engaged in constructive dialogue, while Zelenskyy cautioned that, without a breakthrough, the conflict could drag on into the winter months. The meetings underscored Washington’s push to bring Russia back to the negotiating table, positioning the United States as a potential mediator in a conflict that has already claimed over 150,000 lives.

Despite these overtures, analysts note that symbolic gestures alone will not bridge the deep-rooted gaps separating the two sides. The BBC highlighted that while peace talks carry significant diplomatic symbolism, fundamental disagreements—such as Ukraine’s demand for full territorial restoration and Russia’s insistence on security guarantees—remain unresolved. Moreover, the ongoing hostilities on the front lines, reinforced by recent Russian offensives in the east, suggest that any diplomatic progress will have to contend with on‑ground realities. As both Moscow and Kyiv weigh the costs of continued warfare against the political and economic pressures at home, the coming weeks will likely determine whether the renewed diplomatic overtures translate into concrete steps toward ending the war.