On April 30, 2025, the Kremlin announced that President Vladimir Putin remains open to achieving peace in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the conflict’s complexity makes swift progress unlikely, despite active discussions with the United States. Peskov noted that while Putin has expressed willingness for direct talks with Ukraine, Kyiv has yet to respond. ​

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine is prepared for peace talks if Russia agrees to an unconditional ceasefire. Although Putin supports a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in principle, he insists that critical conditions must first be addressed. ​

The United States has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that without concrete proposals from both Moscow and Kyiv, the U.S. might withdraw from its mediation efforts. At a United Nations Security Council meeting, U.S. diplomat John Kelley attributed continued violence and civilian casualties to Russia, while emphasizing that both nations bear responsibility for achieving peace. ​

The ongoing conflict, which began in 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, continues to be the deadliest in Europe since World War Two. Tensions persist over issues such as NATO expansion and Russia’s geopolitical interests.

Source: Reuters