Moscow Requests ‘Clarifications’ Following Kyiv’s Hint at Accepting Talks

The Kremlin has requested “clarifications” following Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, hinting at Kyiv’s readiness to explore talks with Russia.

“However, we need to ascertain Ukraine’s preparedness for talks and if it has approval from its handlers,” Mr. Peskov stated, possibly referring to Kyiv’s Western allies.

“Conflicting statements are being made, and the situation is unclear.”

On July 24, Mr. Kuleba indicated Kyiv’s interest—contingent on certain conditions—in engaging in negotiations with Moscow.

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Mr. Kuleba conveyed these sentiments during a meeting with Wang Yi, the top diplomat of the Chinese Communist Party.

He also noted that “there is currently no indication of such readiness [for talks] on the Russian side.”

In 2022, Russia invaded and annexed significant areas of eastern and southern Ukraine, drawing condemnation from most Western nations.

Mr. Kuleba’s visit to China, now regarded as a key Russian ally, makes him the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to make such a visit since the start of the invasion two and a half years ago.

In a video message following his Beijing meeting, Mr. Kuleba outlined Kyiv’s prerequisites for engaging in peace negotiations.

He stated, “Firstly, no decisions about Ukraine can be made without involving Ukraine.”

“Secondly … complete respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

“If these two principles are upheld, we can explore any discussions and seek solutions.”

According to Chinese state media, Mr. Kuleba informed Mr. Yi that Kyiv was open to negotiating with Moscow as long as the talks were “logical, substantive, and aimed at achieving a fair and enduring peace.”

“However, the specifics are crucial, and we are awaiting further clarifications,” he added. “So let’s await the forthcoming clarifications.”

Regarding this exchange, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller remarked that Kyiv has “consistently been prepared for negotiations to attain a fair and lasting peace.”

He further mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has not exhibited any change in his war objectives and has shown no true inclination for negotiation.”

Strength in Position

In late 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree prohibiting Kyiv officials from engaging with Russia in any capacity as long as Mr. Putin remains in power.

However, given ongoing Russian advances on the battlefield, Kyiv has shown increasing openness in recent weeks to the prospect of negotiations.

In mid-June, Switzerland hosted an international summit at Kyiv’s request, with the aim of exploring peace prospects.

While representatives from 90 countries attended, Russian officials were not included.

In response, Moscow presented its own terms for ending the conflict.

These terms include the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson) effectively annexed by Russia in 2022.

As per the Russian proposal, Kyiv would also need to abandon its aspiration to join NATO and commit to permanent neutrality.

Supported by its influential Western allies, Kyiv promptly rejected the Russian conditions.

Until now, Kyiv has refused talks with Russia until it withdraws from all Ukrainian territories, including the Black Sea region of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.

“We are not willing to compromise on critical values … independence, freedom, democracy, territorial integrity, sovereignty,” Andriy Yermak, an aide to Mr. Zelenskyy, stated in early July.

Nevertheless, Mr. Zelenskyy recently called for a second international summit later this year—with Russia’s participation.

‘Official’ Leadership

When asked about the near-term possibilities for peace talks, Mr. Peskov questioned the political validity of Mr. Zelenskyy, whose term as president concluded in May.

“However, practically, we are open to achieving our objectives through negotiations.”

Originally set for March 31, presidential elections in Ukraine were postponed due to martial law imposed in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion.

Since then, martial law has been extended multiple times by Ukraine’s parliament, where Mr. Zelenskyy’s party holds a majority.

Mr. Putin has suggested that Mr. Zelenskyy’s legitimacy—or lack thereof—could impact the signing of a Russia–Ukraine peace treaty in the future.

“If it comes to that, we need clarity on who we are dealing with while signing legally binding agreements,” he stated in late May.

Mr. Zelenskyy has asserted that his presidential legitimacy is “endorsed by the Ukrainian people.”

“Our people are free,” he mentioned in June, highlighting that Mr. Putin’s political legitimacy is acknowledged “solely by comrade Putin.”

Meanwhile, Kyiv’s key Western supporters have expressed empathy for Mr. Zelenskyy’s circumstances.

“However, we recognize the challenge posed by conducting them during a war. Ultimately, these are matters for the Ukrainian people to decide.”

Reuters contributed to this report.