U.S.-Russia Relations Teeter on the Edge of Collapse, Kremlin Warns

POLITICS – The Kremlin declared on Monday that U.S.-Russia relations are perilously close to breaking down while refusing to confirm whether Russian President Vladimir Putin had engaged in discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite Trump’s claims to the contrary.

During a press conference, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that ties between Moscow and Washington are “balancing on the brink of a breakup.” He reiterated that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine would persist until Kyiv renounces its aspirations to join NATO and withdraw from the four regions currently under Russian control.

Ryabkov’s remarks underscored Moscow’s unwavering stance in negotiations: “We simply need to get the new U.S. administration to understand and acknowledge that reaching an agreement will be impossible without resolving the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed this ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying Trump’s assertion that he had spoken with Putin. While aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump told reporters, “Let us just say I have had it … and I expect to have many more conversations. We have to get that war ended.” He expressed concern over the high casualty rates, stating, “I hate to see all these young people being killed. The hundreds of thousands are killing the soldiers,” but declined to elaborate on the specifics of his discussions with Putin.

Trump’s Peace Plan and Ukraine’s Concerns

 The statements from Trump and Kremlin officials come at a critical moment in the Ukraine war, with Kyiv and its European allies anxiously awaiting details of Trump’s proposed peace plan. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago, the conflict has claimed countless lives and displaced millions.

During his transition from winning the November election to his inauguration last month, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the war “in a single day” upon taking office. However, experts remain skeptical. Keir Giles, a senior fellow at Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Program, noted, “It would be tempting to think this was part of a careful plan to avoid releasing information too early. Alternatively, it could simply be that, as with Trump’s earlier promises of immediate action, there is not, in fact, a plan yet.” Giles suggested that more clarity might emerge later this week, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend the Munich Security Conference, where senior U.S. officials will also be present.

Moscow’s Demands and Kyiv’s Conditions

 Ryabkov’s comments follow Zelenskyy’s recent statement to British broadcaster ITV, in which he expressed willingness to engage in talks with Russia, provided that the U.S. and Europe continue to support Ukraine and offer security guarantees. Zelenskyy also told Reuters on Sunday that he would need to meet with Trump before any negotiations with Putin, stating, “Otherwise, it will look like a dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine.” Meanwhile, tensions on the ground remain high. Ukrainian officials reported on Monday that a Russian drone attack on Kyiv late Sunday injured a woman and damaged several homes in the northeastern city of Sumy.

Trump’s Strategy: Pressure and Negotiation

 Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, indicated on NBC News’s Meet the Press that U.S. officials are working on “talking through the details of how to end this war,” which would involve bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Trump has previously suggested leveraging economic measures, such as tariffs and sanctions, to compel Putin to engage in talks while reducing U.S. assistance to Ukraine to pressure European allies to increase their support.

Last week, Trump hinted at a potential deal with Ukraine involving rare earth elements and other resources in exchange for continued military aid. “We are handing them money hand over fist. We are giving them equipment,” Trump said. “I want to have the security of rare earth.”

As the war drags on, the international community is watching closely to see whether diplomatic efforts can bridge the deep divide between Moscow and Washington or if relations will collapse, further complicating the path to peace.

This article was adapted from an earlier report published on NBCNews.com.