Kremlin Says Ukraine Will “Sooner or Later” Have to Negotiate with Russia

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Ukraine will “sooner or later” have to negotiate with Russia, warning that Kyiv’s position in any potential talks is deteriorating day by day.

Moscow, whose forces are attempting to capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, has repeatedly accused Ukrainian officials of refusing to engage in peace talks. Kyiv, however, maintains that Russia’s conditions for ending the war are unacceptable and tantamount to a demand for surrender.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia remains open to a political and diplomatic settlement and seeks peace.

However, he added that if such an opportunity does not arise, Russia will continue fighting to defend its security for future generations.

“The Ukrainian side must understand,” Peskov said, “that sooner or later it will have to negotiate — but from a much weaker position. The situation for the Kyiv regime is worsening by the day.”