The Kremlin highlighted the significance of maintaining a dialogue with the United States concerning Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned the anticipation of a potential visit by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner to Russia once the dates are finalized. Peskov echoed US President Donald Trump’s view that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions are impeding the peace process, leading to a deteriorating situation for Ukraine.
Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate, contrasting Ukraine’s readiness. He attributed the unresolved conflict in US-led negotiations to Zelensky. Additionally, Peskov revealed that Russia is awaiting a response from the US regarding its proposal to extend the arms restrictions under the New START treaty for another year. The treaty, signed in 2010, regulates the number of deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems between the two countries.
Russia and the US previously extended the New START treaty until February 2026 in February 2021. Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to uphold the treaty if the US reciprocates. The treaty remains the sole active nuclear arms control agreement between the two superpowers.
