Russia ready for ‘new ideas’ on Ukraine war that match Putin’s goals

What the report says

Russia says it is prepared to consider new proposals for ending the war in Ukraine, but only if they align with President Vladimir Putin’s objectives and reflect what Moscow calls the “realities on the ground.” In comments published by News.ru on Friday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov signaled that Moscow is still looking for diplomatic openings, while also stressing that any deal would need to match Russian demands. Al Jazeera reported that the remarks may also indicate an effort to revive support from the United States for Russia’s position.

The background to the statement is a stalled negotiation process. Earlier US-brokered talks between Moscow and Kyiv failed to produce an agreement, and later discussions were disrupted after the US became involved in the war on Iran, according to the article. The Kremlin also said on Thursday it had no update on a possible return by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who had led earlier negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his government was preparing decisions within its diplomatic team and called for new approaches, especially from the United States. He also said Ukraine needed results. Separately, Putin has continued to insist that any ceasefire must include major Ukrainian concessions, including control of the Donbas, demilitarisation and a pledge not to join NATO.

The article also described continued fighting and cross-border drone attacks in recent days, underscoring that diplomacy remains tied to an active and widening war.