The Kremlin is triumphant: US backs peace plan on Russia’s terms
24 April 13:56
The United States understood the Russian position on the terms of the ceasefire in Ukraine. This statement was made by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in an interview with TASS, emphasizing Russia’s readiness for peace talks under certain conditions. At the same time, at a briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed the details of the talks with the United States and commented on a number of key issues related to the war against Ukraine. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Russian media.
Russian position on the ceasefire
Shoigu noted that Russia is open to a ceasefire and peace talks, but this is possible only if Russia’s national interests and the real situation on the territory of Ukraine are taken into account.
“We are ready for a ceasefire, a truce, and peace talks, but only if our interests and the realities on the ground are fully taken into account,” Shoigu emphasized.
Peskov on talks with the US: Russia’s position and Trump’s words
At a briefing on April 24, 2025, Dmitry Peskov answered TASS’s questions about the talks with the United States on Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia appreciates the US mediation services and is committed to continuing the settlement process.
“The Russian Federation is aimed at continuing the settlement process in Ukraine and appreciates the mediation services of the United States,” Peskov said.
Separately, the Kremlin spokesman commented on Donald Trump’s statement that the issue of Crimea’s ownership is not subject to discussion.
“Trump’s words that the issue of Crimea’s ownership is not subject to discussion are fully consistent with the position of the Russian Federation,” Peskov said, adding that Putin is in favor of peace, but only if Russia’s interests are secured.
Peskov also drew attention to the disagreements that arose during the meeting in London:
“The Kremlin sees disagreements and ‘problems with the convergence of positions’ among the participants of the meeting on Ukraine in London.”
Western Peacekeepers and the Easter Truce: Kremlin’s Position
One of the key points of the briefing was Russia’s categorical refusal to deploy Western peacekeepers in Ukraine.
“The Russian Federation considers the deployment of Western peacekeepers in Ukraine absolutely unacceptable, it poses a critical threat,” Peskov said.
This position complicates the possibility of involving international forces to monitor the ceasefire.
Peskov also commented on the end of the Easter truce.
“The Easter truce is over, and now the Russian Armed Forces are continuing to perform combat missions,” he said, emphasizing that Russia has returned to active hostilities.
Other topics of Peskov’s briefing
Dmitry Peskov also touched upon other important issues. In particular, he said that the date of Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly has not yet been determined.
Also, the Kremlin does not disclose details of Putin’s talks with U.S. Representative Steven Vitkoff, but promises to inform about new contacts.
Regarding gas supplies through Ukraine, Peskov did not give specific comments, but noted that this issue remains on the agenda.
The Kremlin also refused to comment on leaks about Trump’s alleged peace plan, emphasizing that there is no official data yet.
Vitkoff’s visit and subsequent negotiations
The visit of Steven Witkoff, the US special envoy, was one of the topics of the briefing. Peskov confirmed that talks with Mr. Vitkoff are ongoing, but it is too early to disclose details:
“The Kremlin cannot disclose the details of the talks between Putin and Vitkoff before they took place.”
“Peace deal”: what’s on the table
According to the WSJ, the United States expects Kyiv to respond this week to ideas for ending the war. In particular, the refusal to join NATO and the possible recognition of Crimea as Russian by the United States.
According to the publication, the US ideas include recognizing Crimea as Russian, excluding Ukraine’s accession to NATO, and declaring the area around the nuclear power plant a neutral territory that could be under Washington’s control.
At the same time, according to Western officials, the ideas put forward by representatives of the Trump team do not meet a number of Russian demands. In particular, the United States does not recognize that Russia has the legal right to control four regions in the eastern part of Ukraine (Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk, and Donetsk regions). At the same time, Washington does not demand that Russian troops leave these areas. Bloomberg previously reported that the US would consider recognizing Crimea as Russian.
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