Today, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that the conditions for resuming peace talks between Ukraine and Russia do not currently exist, but that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could visit Moscow to discuss a settlement. Despite repeated refusals, the Russian side continues to invite Zelenskyy to a meeting in the capital.
Peskov noted that the Kremlin’s position remains unchanged: Vladimir Putin is ready to receive Zelenskyy in Moscow, but security guarantees are necessary for this. He also emphasized that holding a summit-level meeting is premature at this time, as work at the expert level must take place first—and the conditions for that do not currently exist.
Recall that during a meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 22, Trump expressed hope that the war could end before winter. He also assured that he is ready to utilize legislation that supports Ukraine.
Summarizing the talks, Zelenskyy reported that the U.S. has a positive stance on the licensed production of Patriot air defense missile systems and their interceptors. The president also noted that Trump was no longer insisting on restrictions regarding attacks on Russian oil refineries, although the topic of an energy ceasefire was raised again.
Regarding the energy ceasefire, Volodymyr Omelchenko, director of energy programs at the Razumkov Center, warns that its effectiveness for Ukraine ahead of winter will depend on reciprocity, monitoring, and accountability for violations of the agreements.
