Ukraine Peace Talks Pause Amid Iran War

Talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States on ending the war in Ukraine have entered a 'situational pause' following the start of the Iran war. The Russia===Kremlin, through Dmitry Peskov, confirmed this pause, hoping for a resumption once the United States can dedicate more attention to Ukrainian affairs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, is eager to end the pause, with a Ukrainian negotiating team already en route to the United States for weekend discussions. The United States has signaled its readiness to continue negotiations. Key disagreements remain, particularly Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede control of the Ukraine===Donetsk Oblast and abandon its ambition to join NATO, which Ukraine===Kyiv firmly rejects. US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard noted Russia's 'upper hand' in the conflict, suggesting a war of attrition will continue until an agreement is reached. Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to peace but on his terms, viewing the conflict as a response to NATO's expansion.