Russia Unyielding on Peace Conditions Amid Uncertain US-Russian Diplomatic Talks

Russia maintains its peace conditions unchanged since the August summit between Trump and Putin. Despite intentions for further talks, no dates are confirmed. Russia emphasizes the importance of addressing the war's root causes, including Ukraine's NATO non-alignment and territorial considerations.

On Tuesday, Russia affirmed its unchanged conditions for peace in Ukraine since the August summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It remains unclear when the next meeting between the two leaders will occur.

President Trump, eager to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two, acknowledged the challenges in achieving peace in Ukraine compared to other global disputes. Following discussions with Putin, Trump noted that a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was on the horizon, potentially leading to a summit in Budapest. Moscow, however, did not provide specifics on the timing.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, refuting claims of any postponed meetings, reiterated that Russia's stance remains consistent with the understandings reached at the Alaska summit. Lavrov emphasized addressing the war's root causes, stressing Ukraine's non-nuclear, non-aligned status and protections for Russian speakers as pivotal to lasting peace.

(With inputs from agencies.)