Russia has declared that any peace in Ukraine hinges on restoring relations with the United States, but Washington remains firm in tying diplomatic normalization to tangible progress on ending the war, the Kremlin confirmed on Friday.

Kremlin Pushes for Pre-Peace U.S. Rapprochement

Speaking from the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Russia wants to “get rid of irritants” in its relationship with the U.S. before negotiating peace in Ukraine. “Building relations… would only contribute to an early settlement,” Peskov said, signaling Moscow’s desire to lift sanctions, attract U.S. investment, and regain geopolitical leverage.

However, the Biden administration holds a different position, with U.S. diplomats reportedly insisting that improved ties must follow concrete de-escalation steps in Ukraine.

Trump Focused Elsewhere as War Drags On

President Donald Trump, who had pledged to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office, has shifted focus to the Israel-Iran conflict. This shift in attention, along with failed mediation attempts, has frustrated Russian officials and dimmed hopes for an early peace breakthrough.

Despite multiple phone calls between Trump and Putin, and several meetings between their envoys, U.S.-Russia diplomacy remains stalled. Most sanctions are still in place, consulates remain shut, and American companies have not returned to the Russian market.

War Escalates as Talks Remain Limited

While Moscow presses for a diplomatic reset, its military has intensified operations in Ukraine. On Thursday, Russian drones struck Odesa and Kharkiv, killing one and injuring 20, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

So far, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have led only to prisoner exchanges. A third meeting is expected next week, but Moscow shows little sign of budging on core demands—chief among them, international recognition of territories it partially occupies.