As of May 7, 2026, the Russian government has officially paused negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the lack of willingness from Ukraine to withdraw from the contested Donbas region makes any discussions pointless. He expressed that negotiations could only resume if there were clear steps from Ukraine towards ceding territory, which Russia sees as essential for a lasting peace.

According to Peskov, the current atmosphere surrounding the negotiations has left little room for optimism. He remarked that the talks, previously mediated by the United States, had reached a standstill due to Ukraine's unwillingness to compromise on territorial issues.

The insistence on Donbas withdrawal highlights ongoing tensions, as this region has been a focal point of conflict since the onset of hostilities in 2014. The Kremlin's position underscores its commitment to achieving certain territorial gains as a prerequisite for any peace settlement, framing the negotiations as unviable without these concessions.

Efforts to advance discussions have stalled, and the Kremlin's latest statements indicate a clear frustration over the lack of progress, hinting that future talks will remain suspended until significant developments occur.