After nearly four years of devastating conflict, a renewed push for peace in Ukraine is gaining momentum. The Kremlin recently extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to come to Moscow for peace talks, even as fierce fighting continues on the ground. This diplomatic outreach comes alongside a grim exchange of war dead, underscoring the ongoing human cost.
US-led mediation efforts in Abu Dhabi have injected fresh hope into the process, with reports suggesting Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin could be “very close” to a direct meeting. US President Donald Trump has even hinted at “very good things” unfolding, and another round of talks is slated for Sunday.
Despite this optimism, deep-seated disagreements persist. A primary hurdle is the issue of territory: who controls which parts of Ukraine. Kyiv is unwilling to surrender land Russia hasn’t fully captured, while Moscow demands Ukrainian withdrawal from certain areas of the Donetsk region. Other critical points include the potential role of international peacekeepers and the fate of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Zelenskiy previously rejected a similar invitation, citing Russia’s ongoing missile strikes on his country. The Kremlin assures his safety if he were to attend. Adding to the complexity, not everyone supports negotiations; hardliners like Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov argue the war should continue to its “conclusion,” believing Russia is winning.
While the path to peace is clearly challenging, these renewed efforts signify a crucial moment in the long-running conflict.
