Kremlin Delays Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Military Offensive

Recent analyses and statements indicate that Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, is not genuinely pursuing peace in Ukraine but is instead using negotiations to buy time and continue its military objectives. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the need for Europe to increase sanctions, particularly targeting Russian energy sales, to pressure Moscow. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlights that ceasefire negotiations must precede peace talks, warning that combining these stages could delay a ceasefire and allow continued Russian advances. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted Moscow's readiness for long-term negotiations but denied any immediate plans for meetings between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Furthermore, ISW reports that both Russian forces and society are prepared to sustain the conflict until Russia's territorial demands are met, with propaganda reinforcing this prolonged war stance. Experts argue that recent talks, including those in Istanbul, have demonstrated Russia's steadfast commitment to its military goals, suggesting no imminent peace deal is forthcoming.