Are Negotiations with Ukraine on Hold?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Negotiations with Ukraine are currently paused.
- Expert-level discussions may set the stage for future talks.
- Russia continues to seek resolution through diplomacy.
- High-level meetings have taken place amid ongoing tensions.
- Both countries emphasize restoring diplomatic relations.
Moscow, Oct 1 (NationPress) Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday that discussions with Ukraine are currently suspended.
When inquired about the potential for talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Peskov indicated that expert-level conversations might set the stage for any future high-level interactions.
He emphasized that such meetings “cannot be an end in themselves,” asserting they would not resolve what he termed a complex and challenging issue, as reported by Xinhua news agency. Peskov reiterated that Russia remains willing to find a resolution to the conflict through diplomacy and political dialogue.
Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed their mutual interest in pursuing peaceful resolutions to the Ukraine crisis.
The two diplomats met in New York during the high-level week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, as disclosed by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Lavrov underlined Russia's commitment to follow the course set by the leaders of both nations in Alaska, including collaboration with Washington to tackle the underlying causes of the conflict. He expressed opposition to proposals from Kyiv and certain European capitals that he believes could exacerbate the crisis.
The meeting also focused on broader bilateral matters, with both parties highlighting the importance of restoring political and public connections, capitalizing on the momentum created by the Presidents of Russia and the United States to facilitate the normalization of relations. They also stressed the need to resume regular operations of diplomatic missions.
The two factions agreed to maintain constructive dialogue between their foreign policy departments, according to the ministry.
On August 15, President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump convened in Alaska. They gave a positive review of the meeting, yet no consensus was achieved on matters such as a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire.