Stand behind Ukrainian independent journalism when it’s needed most. Help us reach 20,000 members.

Skip to content
Edit post

US is Russia's 'main counterpart' in talks to end war, Kremlin says

by Kateryna Denisova February 13, 2025 6:26 PM 2 min read
Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attends a press conference in Minsk, Belarus, on Dec. 19, 2022. (Contributor/Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Moscow believes that the U.S. is its "main counterpart" in negotiations to end Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Channel One on Feb. 13.

According to Peskov, Kyiv "will definitely take part in the negotiations in one way or another," but there will also be a "bilateral Russian-American track."

His statement came after Trump held separate calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 12, later claiming both leaders "want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the war with Russia/Ukraine."

Trump called Putin first, saying later that the two leaders agreed that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine will start "immediately."

Earlier on Feb. 13, Peskov claimed that Russia has started forming a group for talks with the U.S., including on the war with Ukraine.

Peskov also said that the two did not discuss the possible participation of Europe in the peace talks during their conversation.

"Probably, it will be up to the Europeans to talk to Washington to somehow secure their place," he added.

Trump also announced that he and Putin would hold their first in-person meeting in Saudi Arabia, though the extent of Ukraine's involvement in the talks remains unclear.

Zelensky and Trump agreed to begin working toward ending the war, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office.

Zelensky said that he wants European partners to be involved in peace negotiations. Kyiv insists that no talks about Ukraine and ending of Russia's all-out war should be held without Ukraine.

‘Surrender & betrayal’ — US, EU officials condemn Trump, Hegseth’s comments on Ukraine peace negotiations
Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. said on Feb. 12 that “to prevent Putin from dining in Kyiv, we need to mobilize the bipartisan Congressional coalition standing with Ukraine.”

Independent journalism needs a community —
not a paywall.

We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all.

Our goal: reach 20,000 members to prove independent journalism can survive without paywalls, billionaires, or compromise. Will you help us do it?

Can we reach 20,000 members?

News Feed

5:03 PM

Russia advancing and ex-official assassination | Ukraine This Week.

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur shares key takeaways from Monday’s phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Wednesday’s assassination of a controversial Ukrainian ex-official. Also, Russia is advancing in Sumy Oblast.
11:31 PM

US rolls back Assad-era sanctions on Syria.

The United States granted immediate sanctions relief to Syria after President Donald Trump called for a complete end to sanctions on the country. The sanctions relief was announced by the U.S. Treasury Department and State Department on May 23.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.