As the war in Ukraine continues to grip headlines and international concern grows over the future of peace in Eastern Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin is signaling that diplomacy isn’t entirely off the table—at least not from his side.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Putin is still willing to hold talks with both Ukraine and European leaders.
Even though there haven’t been any active lines of communication between Moscow and Kyiv—or with EU leaders for that matter—Peskov clarified that Putin remains open to discussions aimed at resolving the war.
That, he said, is the current situation.
No Word on Secret US-Russia Talks—And No Plans to Offer Details
While rumors swirl about backchannel negotiations between Russia and the United States, the Kremlin is staying tight-lipped.
In response to growing questions, Peskov declined to comment on any supposed diplomatic conversations happening behind closed doors.
Specifically, he refused to address claims that Washington might be willing to recognize Crimea as Russian territory in exchange for freezing the current front lines and offering Ukraine security guarantees.
“We’re not going to discuss these things publicly,” Peskov said, keeping the tone deliberately vague.
US Proposal to Recognize Crimea Reportedly on the Table
A recent report by The Washington Post threw fuel on the speculation fire, suggesting that the U.S. may be preparing a proposal that includes the official recognition of Crimea as Russian.
The same plan would also allegedly aim to solidify the current territorial lines as they are now, in hopes of reaching a peace agreement.
In return, the U.S. would reportedly promise Ukraine certain security protections.
Whether or not such a proposal would ever be accepted by Kyiv—or if it even truly exists—is still very much up in the air.
Moscow, at least, is keeping its cards close to the chest.
Kremlin Warns Against Believing Every Leak
As reports and rumors flood the media, Peskov urged everyone to remain skeptical.
“Take it all with a grain of salt,” he warned.
According to him, many of these so-called insider leaks are unreliable, and the only way forward is through quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy—not public speculation.
He also brushed off other reports that Russia is ready to freeze the conflict where it currently stands, with the intent of absorbing the territories under its control.
While not denying the possibility outright, Peskov insisted that if any such plans are being discussed, they won’t be broadcast to the public.
What This All Means Going Forward
While the situation remains tense and uncertain, one thing seems clear—despite the lack of official dialogue, Russia is still leaving a crack in the door open for negotiations.
Whether that leads anywhere, especially with so much mistrust and political tension in the air, is anyone’s guess.
For now, the international community will be watching closely—both for any signs of genuine diplomacy and for how Ukraine and its allies respond to what could be the start of a very fragile conversation.