Amid public statements from Volodymyr Zelensky and European representatives, parallel negotiations between the US and Russia are underway. Talks have not reached a high level— the planned Budapest summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was canceled by Trump himself, citing the Kremlin's lack of willingness to end the war. Trump emphasized he will only meet Putin if he is truly ready for peace.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that negotiations are currently impossible and blamed Ukraine and European countries for an alleged unwillingness to dialogue. This rhetoric is regularly echoed in Russia, with officials describing the current pause as a result of "military hysteria" within the EU.
Following US announcements of possible new sanctions against Russia, to take effect from November 21, the Kremlin sent Kirill Dmitriev to Washington. His visit was filled with controversial statements and has been interpreted as an attempt by the Kremlin to adjust its tactics—considering options to freeze the conflict under favorable conditions for Russia.
Dmitriev met several Republican legislators in the US Congress, but did not have meetings with White House officials. The US Secretary of the Treasury described Dmitriev as a Russian propagandist in response to his claims about the ineffectiveness of sanctions and stressed that Russia’s economy is suffering significant difficulties due to sanctions pressure.
Recent financial data indicates that Russia maintains substantial trade with China and Europe despite sanctions. While the US, Europe and their partners continue to impose new restrictions, cutting Russia off from global markets remains a challenge.
Inside Russia, tensions are rising— the FSB has accused opposition figures of planning a coup, and Putin is emphasizing new military developments in an apparent effort to project strength.
On the international stage, negotiation options for ending the war remain open. However, Kremlin rhetoric and Western actions suggest no real conditions for a rapid peace currently exist.
