Following a wave of deadly Russian airstrikes across Ukrainian cities, the Kremlin has declared that peace negotiations remain suspended, conditioning any potential resolution on Ukraine’s surrender of four annexed regions.
Kremlin’s Stance on Ongoing Negotiations
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the trilateral negotiation format involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States remains suspended. While Moscow maintains bilateral contacts with Washington, official talks regarding the conflict are currently at a standstill.
Peskov defended Russia’s latest offensive, claiming that Ukraine shifted to a new “paradigm” by conducting alleged acts of terror against civilians. Despite this, he insisted that Moscow remains open to peace discussions.
Conditional Peace and Territorial Demands
The Kremlin stated that the conflict could end immediately if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy orders the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. Russia unilaterally declared these territories part of its domain in 2022, though it does not fully control them.
Casualties Following Systematic Strikes
Russia executed systematic strikes against what it described as military targets and decision-making centers. However, reports indicate that missiles and drones hit civilian infrastructure, including kindergartens and medical clinics in Kyiv.
The death toll has reached at least 17, with nearly 100 people wounded. In Kyiv, six people were killed and 64 injured, while a separate attack in Dnipro resulted in 11 fatalities, including two children.