Russia Signals It Could Halt Peace Talks Unless Ukraine Cedes Territory

Russian officials increasingly see little reason to continue US-led peace talks with Ukraine unless Kyiv signals readiness to give up territory as part of a settlement, according to sources familiar with the matter. The position risks derailing diplomatic efforts as President Trump advocates for a ceasefire to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.

Talks scheduled for next week will be crucial in determining whether the sides can progress towards an agreement, though Moscow has hardened its stance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated this week that Moscow has "no deadlines, we have tasks," indicating no urgency to reach a deal despite American pressure.

The negotiations remain deadlocked over Russia's demand for full control of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, a significant portion of the Donbas industrial area. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is too early to make forecasts about the peace process, cautioning against defining "some kind of stage."

Ukraine has rejected territorial concessions and insists on security guarantees that would deter future Russian aggression. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that "the aggressor must not receive any reward for the war" and has called for a leaders' meeting with Vladimir Putin to break the deadlock.

Recent US-led negotiations in Geneva between Ukrainian and American officials aimed to "synchronize positions" ahead of trilateral talks scheduled for March. Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev was also in Geneva, though for discussions with Americans on economic issues rather than direct Ukraine talks.

The diplomatic stalemate persists as Russian forces continue strikes on Ukraine, launching hundreds of drones and missiles in recent days that wounded dozens and damaged infrastructure across multiple regions.