July 17, 2025 – Moscow
In a notable development in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin has confirmed that it is engaged in direct negotiations with Kyiv — albeit with the United States acting as an intermediary.
Speaking to TASS, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated:
“We are holding direct talks with representatives of the Kyiv regime. These are indeed direct negotiations, although they are taking place with the mediation efforts of the United States.”
This admission marks one of the clearest acknowledgments from Moscow of an active diplomatic track involving all three sides — Russia, Ukraine, and the United States — even as the war grinds on and battlefield dynamics remain fluid.
The Kremlin has long resisted framing discussions with Ukraine as formal or bilateral, often referring to them obliquely or through broader multilateral forums. Peskov’s comment may signal a shift toward more open acknowledgment of diplomatic channels, particularly amid growing international pressure to reach a ceasefire or political settlement.
The White House has yet to confirm or comment on the nature of these talks. However, earlier reports from European and American media hinted at quiet backchannel diplomacy aimed at preventing further escalation, especially in light of recent Ukrainian advances in the south and Russia’s intensified missile strikes.
Observers note that while Peskov’s wording still refers to the Ukrainian government as the “Kyiv regime” — a term loaded with political undertones — the recognition of talks “under U.S. mediation” may reflect pragmatic calculations in Moscow, especially as economic and military costs mount.
It remains unclear what topics are on the table — whether the talks are tactical, humanitarian, or centered on broader strategic issues such as territorial disputes and future security guarantees.
This development follows earlier signs of shifting dynamics, including an uptick in U.S. diplomatic engagement in Eastern Europe and growing speculation that Washington may be laying groundwork for a phased negotiation roadmap ahead of the 2026 U.S. presidential election.
