Overview
- Ukraine’s top presidential adviser Kyrylo Budanov said technical talks are likely to start soon, describing them as preparatory steps rather than moves to secure an immediate settlement.
- The Kremlin told reporters the peace process is on a "deep pause," with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying talks would only formalize agreements already reached.
- Budanov warned it is unrealistic to expect the war to end now and said fighting will probably continue through the coming winter as both sides step up attacks on logistics, ports and energy infrastructure.
- Prisoner-exchange discussions and limited technical contacts remain among the few active channels between Kyiv and Moscow, while larger diplomatic efforts backed by the United States have produced no durable results since February.
- The stand-off reflects a core impasse over Russia’s demand that Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donbas, a demand Kyiv rejects, and has led markets and analysts to downgrade the odds of a ceasefire by the end of 2026.