Click to see the full-size image
In recent weeks, the Russian political elite has made a series of bold statements regarding the future of the war in Ukraine and the prospects for peace talks. The meeting of President Vladimir Putin with government members, held on June 4, 2025, became a key moment in analyzing the Kremlin’s position amidst the ongoing conflict.
During the meeting, the Russian leader, referencing terrorist attacks in Bryansk and Kursk regions, emphasized that “this regime does not need peace at all.” He further stated that any negotiations with the Ukrainian leadership are senseless as long as Ukraine continues to attack civilians.
“Of course, everywhere and always during armed conflicts, unfortunately, civilians suffer. But what happened in Bryansk, in the Bryansk Region, was a targeted strike against civilians. And according to all international norms, such actions are called terrorism. All crimes committed against civilians, including women and children, right before the next round of proposed peace talks in Istanbul, were undoubtedly aimed at sabotaging the peace process. The strike was deliberately aimed at the civilian population. And this only confirms our fear that the already illegitimate regime in Kiev, which once seized power, is gradually turning into a terrorist organization, and its sponsors are becoming accomplices of terrorists.”— Vladimir Putin
The Russian leader questioned the possibility of holding a summit with Ukraine and a ceasefire in light of the recent terrorist attacks. He noted that a respite in military actions would be used by Kiev for forced mobilization, weapons supply, and preparation of terrorist acts.
“Just recently, the Ukrainian authorities and their allies dreamed of a strategic defeat of Russia on the battlefield. Today, in the face of enormous losses, retreating along the entire line of contact, trying to intimidate Russia, the Kyiv leadership has resorted to organizing terrorist acts. And at the same time, they ask to suspend hostilities for 30 or even 60 days. They ask for a high-level meeting. But how can such meetings take place under these conditions? What is there to discuss? Who can negotiate with those who rely on terror? With terrorists. And why should they be rewarded by providing a respite in military actions, which will be used to supply the regime with Western weapons, to continue forced mobilization, and to prepare other terrorist acts like those carried out in the Bryansk and Kursk regions?
As for the level of our negotiators, humanitarian pauses, in accordance with generally accepted international practice, the level is determined by the country they represent. Only those with unquestionable authority and a high level of competence can assess that level. What kind of authority can be held by the leaders of a thoroughly corrupt and completely rotten regime?
This is something that is discussed worldwide. What competence can those boast of, whose will has led the Ukrainian armed forces, for example, in the Kursk Region, to suffer utterly senseless and enormous losses? And today they are suffering one defeat after another on the battlefield. It seems we are dealing with people who not only lack any significant competence in anything, but also basic political culture, if they allow themselves certain statements and even direct insults towards those they are trying to negotiate with.” — Vladimir Putin
According to Putin, the Kiev regime “does not want peace at all,” as peace would likely mean the loss of power for them.
“As for the latest refusal of a 2-3 day ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, this is not the first time. It doesn’t surprise us, but only convinces us that the current Kiev regime does not want peace at all. For them, peace most likely means losing power. And for this regime, apparently, power is more important than peace and the lives of people, who, apparently, they do not consider as valuable.” — Vladimir Putin.
Despite Putin’s harsh criticism, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted:
“It is essential to preserve communication; this will help address the core humanitarian concerns that affect both sides.”— Sergey Lavrov, the head of Russian diplomacy
Lavrov also added that while Russia has not closed the door to diplomacy, the actions of the Ukrainian government raise serious doubts:
“We have consistently tried to keep the channel for dialogue open, but the actions of the current Ukrainian regime speak volumes about their intentions.”— Sergey Lavrov
Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian negotiating delegation, reported on the results of the negotiations in Istanbul and presented the details of Ukraine’s memorandum on a peaceful settlement, which boil down to two points. The first is to start with a 30- or 60-day unconditional ceasefire. The second point is to use this ceasefire to prepare for a summit of state leaders. Additionally, there were reports on further agreements regarding a new, equally significant exchange, not only of prisoners of war in equal proportions but also the transfer of the severely wounded, sick, and the return of the bodies of the deceased.
However, he also stated that the peace talks were generally overshadowed by Ukrainian refusals:
“They first agreed to work on our proposal for a ceasefire, but two hours later, Zelensky publicly rejected the supposed agreement.”— Vladimir Medinsky
He continued with a critical assessment of Ukraine’s stance, underlining the difficulty of reaching any meaningful agreements:
“It’s clear that they [Ukrainian leadership] are not interested in peace. They are more focused on continuing the war and using every opportunity to escalate the conflict.” — Vladimir Medinsky
Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko discussed the humanitarian response and medical aid for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Bryansk:
“Within 15 minutes of the first report, two emergency teams were dispatched, and we increased the number of teams to 17, including specialized ones for emergency medical care.”— Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of Russia
Click to see the full-size image
During the meeting, Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, provided a detailed update on the investigation into the recent terrorist attacks in Bryansk and Kursk regions. He outlined key findings, including the method of operation used in the attacks, and confirmed that the evidence gathered points directly to Ukraine’s intelligence services as the perpetrators.
“At the sites of all three terrorist attacks, the same professional method of placing explosive devices was used, as well as plastic explosive material of foreign production and control units of the LoR type, produced in Ukraine. The same units were also found in a cache. Therefore, the evidence collected by the investigation directly points to the fact that all three attacks were organized by Ukraine’s intelligence services.” — Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia
So, what do we have now?
It seems peace is a distant dream for Russia’s leadership, as President Putin casts doubt on any meaningful negotiations with Ukraine. He’s accused Kiev of using terror tactics and turning ceasefires into opportunities to reload and re-arm. According to Putin, peace doesn’t seem to be on the agenda for Kiev — after all, power is much more important than people’s lives, right?
Russia may be technically open to dialogue, but let’s be real: with Ukraine’s repeated refusals and its non-stop aggression, it’s hard to take their “peace talks” seriously. As long as Kiev insists on playing the villain in this drama, don’t expect peace to make a surprise appearance anytime soon.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
