Kremlin Says US-Russia Talks Will Continue Despite Trump’s Ceasefire Ultimatum

Kremlin Says Trump’s Tougher Ukraine Stance Won’t Derail US-Russia Talks.

The Kremlin on Friday said it does not believe that U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly hardened stance on the war in Ukraine signals the collapse of ongoing diplomatic efforts to repair US-Russia relations. Earlier this week, Trump set a 50-day deadline for Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face new sanctions. He also pledged additional missile support for Kyiv—a move strongly criticised by Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Responding to a question about whether Trump’s statements spelled the end of dialogue between Moscow and Washington, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “We assume that this is not what it means. These are different issues—one concerns the Ukraine peace process, the other pertains to our bilateral relations.”

Peskov acknowledged that relations between the two countries remain “in a deplorable state,” adding that resolving “numerous irritants” will take time and considerable effort.

Ties between Washington and Moscow had shown tentative signs of improvement after Trump returned to office in January. However, his growing frustration with President Vladimir Putin—particularly over conditions linked to a potential ceasefire—has cooled diplomatic momentum.

While Russia and Ukraine held two rounds of peace talks in Turkey earlier this year—resulting in agreements on prisoner exchanges and the return of soldiers’ remains—no third round has been scheduled. Both sides remain far apart on ceasefire terms and a broader peace settlement.

Despite the renewed tension, the Kremlin reiterated its willingness to keep communication channels open with the United States.