Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia currently sees no prerequisites for a peaceful settlement to end the war in Ukraine, blaming the Ukrainian government for preventing negotiations.
Speaking to Russian media, Peskov stated that Moscow sees no reason for optimistic expectations regarding peace talks. He added that front-line dynamics were well known and had been addressed repeatedly by Russian President Vladimir Putin, confirming that Russia's military operation would continue.
Peskov did not specify the exact conditions required for Moscow to consider that prerequisites for a diplomatic settlement had emerged. His comments came amid ongoing uncertainty over whether negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow could resume.
Ukrainian diplomatic position
Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism about Moscow's willingness to engage in genuine dialogue. Serhiy Kyslytsya, the first deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said Putin does not want to hold talks to end the war and will be even less inclined to do so during the winter months, believing Ukrainians cannot endure the cold weather.
Despite Putin's stance, Kyslytsya emphasized that Ukraine continues to pursue diplomatic avenues to end the conflict. He explained that Russia is attempting to spread the narrative that Kyiv opposes peace and seeks escalation, making ongoing diplomatic work vital. Kyslytsya also highlighted the importance of an upcoming visit to Kyiv by negotiators representing Donald Trump, which has been delayed several times.
Military outlook through 2026
Military intelligence assessments also suggest a prolonged conflict. Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, said there are no indications that Russia is prepared to agree to an armistice, advising against expectations that the war will end before the end of 2026.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Putin aims to complete the capture of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine by the end of the year. Skibitskyi warned that Russian forces will continue targeting Ukraine's defense industry, military sites, energy grid, logistics networks, and fuel stations, while continuing to strike both military and civilian infrastructure.
