Peskov: Russia–Ukraine peace talks are on pause
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says no new proposals have been presented and Kyiv 'is fully aware' of Moscow's demands.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said on August 28, 2026 that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are currently on pause. He told reporters there have been no new proposals brought forward and added that "Kyiv is fully aware" of Russia's demands.
Those comments came after Kyrylo Budanov, head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said yesterday that he "does not rule out resuming talks with Russia in September." The two statements together underline a standstill in formal contacts but leave open the possibility of talks returning to the agenda next month.
Background and international efforts
Washington has for months pressed both sides toward an agreement, sending envoys and applying diplomatic pressure. Visits by American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which had been expected in August, did not take place, according to officials familiar with the planning.
Peskov framed the situation as a pause rather than a breakdown, stressing the absence of new ideas at the negotiating table. Ukrainian officials — including Budanov’s office — have publicly signalled willingness to consider a restart, but concrete terms and timing remain unsettled.
The next weeks will be watched closely by capitals involved in shuttle diplomacy. Analysts say a coordinated push from international mediators would be necessary to convert willingness into concrete proposals and a framework acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv.
Photo: press material from the event
