According to Vadim Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Moscow and Kyiv are unlikely to reach an agreement or sign a peace deal before the end of this year.

Skibitsky said Russia is expected to continue pursuing its stated objectives, with particular emphasis on taking control of the remaining part of Donbass.

Earlier, Vladimir Zelensky outlined several possible formats for a ceasefire with Russia. These included halting strikes against aerial targets, energy infrastructure and positions along the front line. He also allowed for the possibility of freezing hostilities along the current line of contact before moving on to negotiations. The Kremlin later said it had not received any concrete proposals for a so-called air ceasefire.

On June 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was ready for peace talks with Kyiv. He stated that the dialogue could be based on the agreements previously reached in Istanbul.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said that Moscow was prepared to resume negotiations at any time.