Russia-Ukraine War Nearing End, Kremlin Says as Zelenskyy Warns of New Attacks

The Kremlin reiterated on Tuesday that Russia’s war in Ukraine is nearing an end, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that ongoing trilateral discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. suggest a conclusion is approaching. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously declared in a press conference on Saturday that 'the matter is coming to an end,' though no specific framework has been disclosed. Peskov emphasized that extensive preparatory work remains before any agreement, while Moscow welcomed continued U.S. mediation efforts. Ukrainian officials rejected the Kremlin’s assessment. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned in a nightly address that Russia has 'no intention of ending this war' and accused Moscow of using diplomacy to consolidate battlefield gains. Ukrainian forces reported intensified Russian drone activity near Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia despite diplomatic talks. Zelenskyy also announced ongoing coordination with Western allies for additional air-defense systems and reconstruction financing. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow remains open to 'serious diplomatic engagement' but insisted any settlement must recognize 'new territorial realities,' including the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—regions Ukraine and most Western governments reject as illegitimate. Ukraine continues to demand full Russian withdrawal from internationally recognized territory, alongside long-term security guarantees and reconstruction aid. The war remains active across multiple front lines, with Russian forces controlling approximately 18% to 20% of Ukrainian territory, according to the Institute for the Study of War and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The European Commission announced discussions on a new Ukraine support mechanism focused on energy infrastructure recovery and defense production assistance. The U.S. has facilitated multiple negotiation rounds since Donald Trump’s return to office, though no comprehensive political settlement has been reached. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian casualties, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with both sides maintaining starkly opposing positions on territorial claims and ceasefire terms.