US-Russia-Ukraine Talks on Hold Amid Escalating Conflict in the Middle East

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Moscow: Peace talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine aimed at ending the ongoing Ukraine war have been put on hold, according to a report by Russian newspaper Izvestia, citing officials.

The pause comes as escalating tensions surrounding the Iran conflict divert global attention, particularly from Washington. The report noted that the shifting geopolitical focus has also contributed to rising global oil and gas prices—an area where Russia remains a key exporter.

US President Donald Trump, who had pledged to end the Ukraine war and position himself as a peacemaker, has recently described efforts to resolve the conflict as one of his biggest disappointments.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that while economic and investment cooperation efforts would continue under presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, the trilateral negotiation process is currently “on pause.”

The war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, remains the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. Despite multiple rounds of talks held in Türkiye, Abu Dhabi, and Geneva, both sides continue to disagree on key issues, particularly Russia’s demand for Ukraine to cede control of the eastern Donetsk region.

Ukraine and its European allies have rejected such demands, warning that allowing Russia to achieve its objectives would set a dangerous precedent for regional security. Moscow, however, has dismissed claims that it poses a threat to NATO members.

Meanwhile, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers that Russia currently maintains the upper hand in the conflict and is likely to continue a war of attrition until a negotiated settlement is reached.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that he is open to peace talks but insists on conditions including Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions and withdrawing from territories claimed by Moscow. Kyiv has firmly rejected these terms, maintaining it will not cede land still under its control.

With negotiations stalled and positions entrenched, the prospects for a near-term resolution remain uncertain as global geopolitical priorities continue to shift.