Kyiv – September 14, 2025
Hopes for renewed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine appear to be dwindling once again, as Moscow declared the negotiations “frozen,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that President Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping until he seizes full control of Ukraine.
In a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday, officials said that the “conditions for dialogue are currently absent,” blaming what they called Kyiv’s “inflexible and unrealistic demands” for the ongoing diplomatic deadlock.
“The Ukrainian side continues to insist on maximalist positions, making negotiations impossible,” the ministry stated. “At this point, peace talks remain frozen.”
The announcement follows a series of escalations along the front lines, particularly in eastern and southern Ukraine, where Russian forces have intensified attacks in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials report heavy shelling near Kharkiv and stepped-up drone strikes targeting infrastructure in Odesa and Mykolaiv.
President Zelensky responded swiftly in a televised address, warning that Russia’s ultimate goal is not limited to territorial gains in the east or south—but the total subjugation of Ukraine.
“Putin doesn’t want compromise. He wants all of Ukraine,” Zelensky said. “He wants our land, our identity, and our future. The world must understand that this is not a war for territory—it is a war for survival.”
Zelensky’s warning comes amid renewed appeals for international support, particularly in the form of advanced air defense systems and long-range missiles. While Western nations have continued to supply military aid, Ukrainian officials argue that delays and political divisions, particularly in the United States and some European capitals, are costing lives.
Meanwhile, Kremlin sources insist that Russia remains open to negotiations “under the right conditions,” which have consistently included recognition of Russian control over annexed territories—a demand Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
Analysts say the freeze in peace talks underscores the widening gap between both sides’ objectives. While Ukraine seeks the full restoration of its 1991 borders, Russia has moved to consolidate its hold over occupied regions, implementing Russian administration, currency, and even school curricula.
International observers warn that the diplomatic stalemate, combined with ongoing combat operations, could lead to a prolonged conflict well into 2026.
The United Nations has urged both parties to resume talks and avoid further civilian casualties, but with both Kyiv and Moscow hardening their positions, prospects for peace remain bleak.