Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has offered Russia a new round of peace talks next week aimed at accelerating negotiations toward a ceasefire, even as Moscow continues its grinding military offensive in eastern Ukraine.

In a televised address, Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s delegation, led by National Security and Defence Council head Rustem Umerov, had sent Moscow a formal offer for talks. "Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire," Zelenskiy stressed, calling on Russia to stop “hiding from decisions.” However, he provided no details on the proposed format or location for the talks.

Previous negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, held in Istanbul, resulted in limited agreements on prisoner swaps but no progress on ending the war that has raged since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Kremlin Stance: Peace Talks Possible, but Goals Come First

Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed on Sunday that President Vladimir Putin remains open to peace talks but reiterated that any settlement must satisfy Russia’s strategic objectives. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television that while Putin seeks a peaceful resolution, "the main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear."

These comments reflect Russia’s continued demand for recognition of its territorial gains and security guarantees — terms Kyiv and its Western allies have repeatedly rejected.

U.S. Pressure Mounts

Amid the diplomatic maneuvering, U.S. President Donald Trump has given Moscow a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face a new wave of sanctions. Trump recently toughened his rhetoric against Russia and pledged further military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missile defence systems.

While the Kremlin dismissed Trump’s threats as typical "harsh" rhetoric, officials acknowledged that Washington remains a key player in the broader diplomatic calculus.