Kremlin: Resumption of trilateral talks on Ukraine does not restrict military operations

Talks do not mean a pause in military operations

Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said at a briefing in Moscow on Monday that the decision to resume trilateral talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine on the conflict does not imply any restrictions on military operations. According to him, the armed forces continue the 'special military operation' and are delivering massive and sustained strikes on Ukraine's military complex, military and 'quasi-military' targets. The territorial issue, he added, could become one of the topics of discussion within efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement, alongside other issues.

Details of the talks will not be discussed publicly

Peskov stressed that the upcoming conversation will be 'very serious' and will consist of a huge number of details that Moscow does not intend to discuss publicly, since, in the Kremlin's view, this could harm a potential future peace process. Touching on humanitarian efforts, the press secretary noted that they could set a precedent, citing the 'very positive, coordinating participation' of US negotiators and First Lady Melania Trump. He added that Moscow highly values these efforts and hopes that Ukraine will fulfill all the agreements reached with the direct participation of the negotiators.

Comments on the elections in Serbia and Brazil

At the same briefing, Peskov commented on the early elections to Serbia's National Assembly held on Sunday. According to the Republican Electoral Commission, with 96.47% of ballots counted, Aleksandar Vucic's 'United Serbia' list was trailing the opposition 'Student List' — 39.27% versus 52.57%. Peskov said that Moscow highly values Vucic's contribution to bilateral relations and expects him to remain on the political stage, adding that even in opposition he would continue to contribute to the development of relations. The Kremlin expressed hope that the new political force in power will act constructively and understand that cooperation with Russia serves Serbia's interests. Peskov also welcomed Luis Inacio Lula da Silva's victory in Brazil's presidential election; Vladimir Putin had earlier sent Lula congratulations.

2030 World Weightlifting Championship in Moscow

Peskov also positively assessed the decision of the International Weightlifting Federation to hold the 2030 world championship in the Russian capital, calling it an important step toward the depoliticization of sport. According to him, Russia must return to the world sporting family with full rights, since this family cannot live fully without Russia's participation. On the possible holding of the Olympic Games in Russia, he said it is too early to talk about it: in his words, not many countries are currently interested in hosting the Olympics, and this issue 'is not on the agenda.'

Context and significance

Peskov's statement shows that Moscow is separating the diplomatic track from military operations: talks involving the United States, in the press secretary's wording, will not become grounds for suspending them. This is significant for assessing settlement prospects: it has simultaneously been confirmed that the territorial issue may be put up for discussion, and that the details of the process will be handled non-publicly. In practical terms, this means that at the current stage the parties continue military operations in parallel with preparing for talks, while substantive agreements, including humanitarian ones, remain for now at the level of expectations — Moscow has stated that it hopes Ukraine will fulfill them.