It was 2:30 AM, and I was wandering alone through the vast grounds of the Kremlin, trying to find my way out. The darkness was illuminated only by the faint glow of security lights. I had been invited to a press conference with Vladimir Putin earlier that day, but it had turned into an impromptu address on live television instead. Now, I found myself lost inside the Kremlin at night, a surreal experience that felt like something straight from a John le Carré novel.
As I walked through the deserted streets, I couldn’t help but think about how quickly things had changed. Just hours before, we were all gathered in The Kremlin Palace waiting for Mr. Putin’s statement on Russian television proposing direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. However, as he began to speak, it became clear that this wasn’t going to be your typical press conference.
Instead of answering questions directly from journalists present in Moscow or via video link from other parts of Russia or abroad, Mr. Putin delivered a lengthy statement outlining his vision for peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev. He called for:
- An immediate ceasefire
- Withdrawal of foreign troops
- Recognition by Ukraine’s government that Crimea is part of Russia
- Guarantees against further NATO expansion eastwards
These were all non-negotiables according to him. After what sounded like a press conference turned into an impromptu address on live television, I walked out feeling confused but also intrigued. I decided to take one last look around before leaving. That’s when things started getting really weird. I took one wrong turn after another until finally locating myself outside these imposing walls.
The next morning brought news that peace talks involving representatives from both countries had taken place overnight aboard Turkish ships anchored off Istanbul’s coast, though they produced little concrete result apart from agreement on further meetings ahead.
In recent developments, Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin by telephone for nearly two hours earlier this week. Details remain scarce about their conversation, except for some comments made afterwards by each man. Mr. Trump stated:
“Russia & Ukraine will immediately start negotiating towards a ceasefire and an end to the war.”
He added that “the war must end” because it was causing great harm to people around the world.
However, despite such optimism, there is still no sign that either side intends to give up fighting anytime soon. Russia continues to refuse to unconditionally agree to a comprehensive ceasefire, refuses to return any territory seized or occupied, and insists on more territory being handed over. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains committed to defending itself against ongoing attacks launched daily across the border without warning. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly expressed concern about the possibility of a new offensive being imminent, given the recent build-up of troops near the front line. Kiev has accused Moscow’s forces of using civilians as human shields while launching missile strikes targeting residential buildings, schools, and hospitals.
As I stood outside The Kremlin Palace reflecting on the previous day’s events, it seemed clear that nothing much had changed. Both sides remain firmly opposed to compromise, yet again pushing the conflict closer to the brink of disaster than ever before.
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