Russia maintains that significant territorial concessions from Ukraine are a prerequisite for any peace settlement, a stance highlighted amid increased diplomatic activity in both Brussels and Washington focusing on the ongoing war. According to Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, discussions with representatives of former U.S. President Donald Trump have emphasized border adjustments, while simultaneously exploring potential future economic collaboration between Moscow and Washington. This rigid position contrasts with simultaneous multilateral efforts aimed at finding a framework for ending the conflict.
Kremlin Prioritizes Border Changes
Moscow’s public declarations indicate no softening of its core demands, which include compelling Kyiv to relinquish areas of the Donbas region not currently held by Russian forces. Ushakov’s statements confirm that territorial claims remain central to Russia’s strategy, suggesting that internal discussions with prospective American officials are being used to reinforce this position.
Coinciding with these security talks, the Kremlin has actively courted the Trump political circle by promoting lucrative bilateral initiatives. A recently circulated 28-point proposal outlined extensive long-term U.S.-Russia cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, and the extraction of rare earth minerals in the Arctic. This concerted effort appears designed to appeal directly to the former president’s known commercial interests and aspirations regarding the Russian market.
Allies Discuss Next Steps Amid Cautious Optimism
The push for concessions came as NATO foreign ministers convened in Brussels for their regular assembly. The meeting included a working lunch with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, underscoring allied coordination on the conflict.
Meanwhile, Washington offered a measured perspective on recent outreach to Moscow. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to Fox News through a deputy while absent from the NATO gathering, acknowledged some movement in peace discussions but cautioned that a final agreement was not imminent. Rubio stressed that engagement with Russia is unavoidable if the conflict is to conclude, adding that unlimited financial support from the U.S. is unsustainable. Ultimately, he emphasized that the final decision rests with both Kyiv and Moscow.
Kyiv Seeks Direct Dialogue with Trump Camp
In response to the evolving diplomatic landscape, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two senior officials would travel to the United States. Their itinerary includes consultations with former President Trump’s team and a briefing of allies attending the Brussels summit on efforts to conclude the war.
The diplomatic flurry suggests a multipronged effort to influence the trajectory of the conflict. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to detail the alliance’s forthcoming steps at a news conference, expected to further clarify Western coordination and support for Ukraine. The escalating private and public diplomatic actions highlight the high stakes involving political transitions and territorial sovereignty as the conflict continues.