Russia has signalled that diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine are moving forward, with a senior Kremlin official stating that Moscow and Washington are making tangible progress in negotiations.
Kremlin Signals Diplomatic Momentum
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov declared on Friday, 5 December 2025, that Russia and the United States were advancing in discussions concerning a potential peace deal for Ukraine. He added that Moscow remained prepared to continue working with the current American negotiating team, dispelling earlier uncertainties that had clouded the dialogue.
This announcement comes amidst a concerted push by the United States to broker a resolution to the protracted conflict and secure wider international support for peace efforts.
Putin Reiterates Core Demands to Modi
Concurrently, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a scheduled summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an annual event designed to bolster bilateral ties between the two nations. During the talks, Putin firmly restated his core conditions for ending hostilities.
The Russian leader demanded that Ukraine withdraw its military forces from the eastern Donbas region, warning that a failure to comply would result in continued military action. This reiteration underscores the unchanging nature of Moscow's strategic objectives, even as diplomatic channels appear to become more active.
A Complex Diplomatic Landscape
The parallel developments create a complex picture of international diplomacy. While one of Putin's closest aides suggests a warming in talks with the West, the Russian president himself is simultaneously reinforcing his hardline stance to a key global partner, India.
Prime Minister Modi's position was clarified during the summit, with the Indian leader stating that his country is "not neutral" on the issue of Ukraine. This engagement highlights how the conflict continues to shape and test relationships between major world powers, with nations like India navigating a delicate balance between historical partnerships and contemporary geopolitical pressures.
The progress cited by the Kremlin, while not detailed, represents one of the more optimistic public assessments from Moscow in recent months. Observers will be watching closely to see if this reported momentum translates into concrete proposals or a sustained ceasefire.
