Kremlin issues ultimatum for peace talks with Ukraine to continue

Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, has stated that trilateral negotiations involving the US, Ukraine and Russia are "inadvisable" until Kyiv withdraws Ukrainian troops from the government-controlled part of Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Russian outlet Interfax, citing Ushakov's remarks

Quote: "Right now, Kyiv needs to take just one serious step, after which, firstly, military operations will be suspended, and secondly, prospects will open for a serious discussion of the prospects for further long-term settlement."

Details: According to Ushakov, "everyone understands this", so "convincing each other is largely a waste of time".

He states that Russia expects "this step from Kyiv, in particular from Zelenskyy".

Background:

• Ukraine's chief negotiator travelled to the US on 7 May for a meeting with President Donald Trump's team.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the negotiations will cover the release of prisoners, the intensification of the diplomatic process, and security questions regarding cooperation with the United States.

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