Kyiv: Hopes for a breakthrough in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict remain dim despite recent diplomatic overtures, including phone calls by US President Donald Trump with leaders of both nations.
The absence of meaningful progress and continued hardline positions on both sides have left international observers skeptical about the prospects for peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the situation on Telegram, accused Moscow of deliberately stalling negotiations to prolong the conflict.
“Russia continues to exploit the negotiation process to buy time and sustain its occupation,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that Ukraine is working closely with international allies to increase pressure on the Kremlin, hinting at the possibility of stronger sanctions.
As part of efforts to de-escalate, Ukraine recently offered a month-long ceasefire, but Russia’s response included a list of demands viewed as unacceptable by Kyiv.
Zelenskyy had also extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for direct talks, but the proposal was dismissed.
Trump, positioning himself as a potential peace broker, held separate phone conversations with Zelenskyy and Putin on Monday. Following the calls, he stated that both sides would begin immediate negotiations on a ceasefire.
However, neither Kyiv nor Moscow has confirmed the timing or venue of any such discussions.
“The situation on the ground remains unchanged,” said Mykhailo Podoliak, a senior adviser to Zelenskyy, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
US and European officials have repeatedly called for a diplomatic resolution, though doubts linger about Moscow’s sincerity.
Despite Trump’s characterization of his talks with Putin as “excellent,” many European leaders remain unconvinced of Russia’s willingness to compromise.
“Putin has not shifted his stance,” Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur told reporters in Brussels. “There is no indication that Moscow genuinely wants to end this war.”
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, emphasised that Russia’s lack of constructive engagement should trigger promised consequences.
“The promised pressure hasn’t materialised yet, and Russia continues to play for time,” she said.
Putin reportedly told Trump that Moscow is open to drafting a “memorandum” for a future peace framework with Ukraine. Analysts, however, are wary of such overtures.
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“Putin seems to be offering a symbolic gesture that satisfies US diplomatic efforts without making any real concessions,” commented Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
Last week, the first face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations since early 2022 ended after less than two hours, producing only a deal on a major prisoner exchange.
Both sides remain deeply divided on core issues, and even a temporary truce continues to elude them.
As the war enters its third year with no end in sight, international pressure for peace is growing—but so is frustration at the lack of tangible results.
