Russia Says Talks Unlikely Without Ukraine Leaving Donbas

Russia says it will not continue trilateral negotiations with the United States and Ukraine unless Kyiv withdraws from parts of Donbas. Ukrainian officials dismissed the demand, calling it proof Moscow is not seeking peace. Talks with US partners continue on humanitarian and security issues as diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin talks to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during an expanded meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Heads of State Council at the Palace of Nation in Dushanbe on October 10, 2025. (Photo by Grigory SYSOYEV / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russia has signaled that further trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and the United States are unlikely unless Kyiv withdraws its forces from parts of the Donbas region under its control. According to The Moscow Times , Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said the continuation of talks in a US‑Ukraine‑Russia format would be unadvisable under current conditions. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Everyone understands, in particular, I would say, and Ukrainian negotiators, that now Kyiv needs to take only one serious step, after which, firstly, hostilities will be suspended, and secondly, prospects will open up for a serious discussion of the prospects for a further long-term settlement,” Ushakov said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had previously made similar remarks, indicating that Moscow expects Ukraine to withdraw from Donbas as a precondition for further negotiations. Ushakov also said that no further contacts had taken place since February , in the trilateral format following several rounds of meetings in Geneva, adding that Washington appears focused on other priorities. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, said the statements demonstrate Russia’s unwillingness to end the war , according to Ukrinform . “Russia has effectively confirmed it does not plan to end the war, as Ukraine refuses to leave its own land,” Kovalenko said on Telegram , adding that Moscow appears to be seeking concessions to enable further military operations. Other Topics of Interest UAE Ships Oil Through Strait of Hormuz Without Location Trackers The UAE has quietly moved oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz with tracking systems turned off to avoid potential Iranian attacks, reflecting heightened risks to global energy supplies. The move follows escalating tensions in the region, forcing Gulf producers to adjust exports and routes. The disruption comes as broader geopolitical pressures, including sanctions and ceasefire talks, challenge global markets. According to him, Russia confirmed that “they did not need any peace, only an attempt to get a springboard for a further offensive without a fight,” while Ukraine “clearly stated that it would not leave its own land.” Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out territorial concessions , maintaining that any settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and internationally recognized borders. The remarks come as diplomatic contacts continue, with Ukraine’s National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov traveling to the US on Thursday for talks. President Volodymyr Zelensky said discussions with US officials are ongoing, focusing on humanitarian issues, diplomatic efforts with Russia, and security arrangements to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.