• Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov says U.S. understands Russia's requirements for a long-term Ukraine settlement
  • Comments come as U.S. envoy arrives in Moscow and Putin-Trump call looms
  • Russia continues to reject temporary truces, calling them Ukrainian "respite" periods

Diplomatic Push Amid Stalled Negotiations

Senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stated Thursday that American officials have been made aware of Moscow's core demands for resolving the Ukraine conflict, expressing cautious optimism that Washington would incorporate these positions in upcoming talks. The remarks coincided with the arrival of a U.S. special envoy in Moscow and ahead of a scheduled phone conversation between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump later in the day.

"The Americans are aware of our position and understand how to achieve a long-term settlement," Ushakov told reporters, emphasizing that Russia's "legitimate interests" must form the foundation of any agreement. The Kremlin official specifically criticized temporary ceasefire arrangements as providing "nothing but a respite for the Ukrainian armed forces to regroup."

The Sticking Points

Moscow's settlement framework reportedly includes recognition of Russian-controlled territories, security guarantees against NATO expansion, and sanctions relief - demands that have previously been non-starters for Kyiv. The comments suggest little movement in Russia's fundamental position despite renewed diplomatic activity under the Trump administration.

A Western diplomat familiar with the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that while communication channels remain open, "the gap between what Russia wants and what Ukraine can accept hasn't narrowed meaningfully." The abandoned U.S.-Ukraine mineral revenue deal last month has added complexity to negotiations, with some analysts viewing it as signaling Washington's shifting priorities in the region.

What Comes Next

With Trump preparing to engage directly with Putin, attention turns to whether the U.S. might broker compromises unseen in earlier European-mediated attempts. However, Ukrainian officials maintain their red lines regarding territorial integrity, with one presidential adviser telling local media that "no lasting peace can be built on annexed land" - a reference to Russia's occupation of eastern Ukraine and Crimea.

Market observers are watching for potential signals about sanctions relief, which could impact energy and commodity flows. Russian equities showed muted reaction to Ushakov's comments, with the MOEX index trading flat Thursday afternoon in Moscow.