Kremlin notes "progress" in Ukraine talks despite US threat to withdraw

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 18 that “certain progress” had been made in Ukraine war talks, noting a pause in strikes on energy infrastructure, despite signs Washington may be pulling out of the negotiations.

Peskov told reporters that the progress is tied to Russia’s unilateral decision to suspend strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, a step Moscow claims it has honoured — in contrast to Kyiv, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“You should ask Washington about their intentions,” Peskov said, responding to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s suggestion that the United States may cease efforts to broker a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“We believe that a certain level of progress can already be recognised. This is progress related to the temporary moratorium on targeting energy infrastructure, which Russia is observing — unlike the Ukrainian side.”

He added that while initial groundwork has been laid, “many difficult discussions lie ahead.”

Earlier on April 18, Secretary Rubio said during a press conference that the negotiations “cannot go on forever.” He noted that Washington had supported Kyiv for three years but argued the time had come to “shift focus elsewhere.”

Note that, US officials have signalled a renewed push for a full ceasefire in Ukraine within weeks during high-level talks with European and Ukrainian counterparts in Paris, according to people familiar with the matter.

The meetings, held on April 17, included a discussion between French President Emmanuel Macron and US envoy Steve Witkoff, with Ukrainian officials also in attendance. Talks focused on moving toward an immediate ceasefire and a lasting peace deal, said the people, who declined to be identified.

Participants at the meeting reportedly voiced full support for US President Donald Trump’s goal of swiftly ending Russia’s three-year war in Ukraine. US officials expressed confidence that meaningful progress could be achieved soon, the sources said.

Negotiators and national security advisers from Germany, France, the UK and US are due to reconvene in London next week to follow up, the Elysee said.

The Paris discussions came days after Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg for nearly five hours. Witkoff described the exchange as “compelling” and said they explored ways to end the conflict, including potential business opportunities.

European officials used the Paris gathering to urge the US to maintain a firm stance on Russia, including the possible introduction of sweeping sanctions if progress is not made. Trump has voiced frustration over the slow pace of talks and has blamed both sides at times for the ongoing conflict.

Trump said a long-sought minerals deal with Ukraine would be signed next week. While he softened past remarks blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the war, he continued to suggest Kyiv bore some responsibility.

By Aghakazim Guliyev