In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion to halt the fighting in Ukraine along current frontlines, Russia has reiterated that its stance remains the same. The Kremlin has historically dismissed ceasefire proposals, expressing concerns that Ukraine might utilize a break in hostilities to bolster its military and regroup.
During a Monday briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow prefers to bypass ceasefire discussions and move directly to negotiations for a comprehensive peace agreement. He emphasized that Russia would require Ukraine to relinquish more territory than what is currently under Moscow’s control.
Why It Matters
Peskov’s remarks signify Moscow’s initial acknowledgment of Trump’s comments. The U.S. President suggested freezing frontline positions in Ukraine prior to entering ceasefire discussions. This implies that Russia’s objectives in Ukraine remain steadfast while also hinting at upcoming discussions between Trump and Putin in Budapest.
What You Should Know
Previously, Trump indicated that Ukraine could potentially reclaim all territories occupied by Russia. However, he steered towards a different narrative on Sunday, suggesting both parties halt at current battle lines before initiating talks.
Following his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Kyiv anticipated securing a deal for U.S. Tomahawk missiles. Instead, they were confronted with Putin’s demands regarding territorial concessions.
Peskov deflected Trump’s comments on a ceasefire leading into peace talks, branding them a mere “newspaper report” and commented on the vast number of statements on the subject.
The Kremlin has mentioned that they aim to enhance peace talks during the impending summit with the U.S. President, although a date is yet to be established.
Peskov noted that specific details regarding the expected meeting between the two presidents are not available.
In a conversation with Trump a day before the White House gathering, Putin reportedly urged Trump to demand that Kyiv give away full control of the Donetsk region. Reports cite that achieving this would give Putin a significant strategic advantage.
Trump, when speaking on Air Force One, refuted any suggestions that he pressured Zelensky to surrender territories partially occupied by Russia. However, he did refer to regions of Ukraine as “property” that Moscow has “won” in a Fox News interview.
Public Reactions
Donald Trump: “My suggestion is to halt all activity at the current lines, go home, cease the killing, and reach an end to this conflict.”
Dmitry Peskov: “This issue has been addressed in various forms throughout U.S.-Russian communications. The outlined response is the same: Russia’s position stays consistent.”
Ukrainian Political Analyst Yevhen Mahda: “Trump’s simple logic is that he seeks validation and success; little else holds importance to him… competently, in the dynamics of Russian-American relations, he is gradually ceding the initiative.”
What’s Next
As anticipation builds for the summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest, reports suggest a forthcoming phone conversation between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The discussion will center around the conflict as well as U.S.-Russia relations, according to Interfax.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky expressed his willingness to join Trump and Putin in Budapest should he receive an invitation.
Update 10/20/25, 11:09 a.m. ET: This article has been revised with further updates.
