The Kremlin says negotiations with Ukraine are on a “deep pause” as Russian forces continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the announcement, indicating the current diplomatic process has stalled despite recent high-level outreach.
Peskov also reiterated President Vladimir Putin’s stated condition for any ceasefire: Ukraine must cede full control of the Donetsk region. Both outlets link the declaration to the timing of recent diplomatic activity reported by other parties, including a U.S. CIA director’s trip to Moscow and efforts involving a Vatican envoy. While the two sources describe the same core Kremlin message, they frame it differently in emphasis: one focuses more on the broader context of renewed diplomatic contacts, while the other underscores the sudden timing following the CIA director’s reported visit.
Overall, the accounts agree that the Kremlin is pausing peace talks and linking prospects for a ceasefire to control of Donetsk, with the slowdown occurring amid intensified combat in the east.
