Amidst the war, Russia takes a major step, invites Zelenskyy to Moscow for peace talks

Moscow. Russia has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Moscow for peace talks amidst US-mediated efforts to end the Ukraine war. The Kremlin announced this in a statement. The conflict between the two countries has been ongoing for nearly four years. The Kremlin also stated that Russia and Ukraine have completed another exchange of soldiers killed in the war. However, Russia declined to comment on speculation about a possible agreement between the two countries to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.

Signs of progress in talks
Peace efforts gained some momentum from US-mediated talks held in Abu Dhabi last weekend, but differences between the two sides remain. Fighting continues on the front lines, and recent missile attacks have left Ukraine facing a power crisis.

According to a US official, the possibility of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin has increased. The next meeting between negotiators from both countries is scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi.

US President Donald Trump also said that positive progress is being made in the peace process. However, agreement on issues such as territorial control and the post-war settlement remains elusive.

Increased hope for a temporary ceasefire
US President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to refrain from attacking the Ukrainian capital Kyiv for a week because of the harsh winter conditions in Ukraine. Russian attacks have caused significant damage to critical infrastructure in several Ukrainian cities, leaving people across the country without electricity and heating. Trump claimed that Putin agreed to this. However, there has been no official confirmation from Russia yet.