(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Russia has voiced growing frustration with the United States over stalled negotiations on Ukraine, as Washington’s top diplomat prepared to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid signs of renewed diplomatic strain.
In a weekly briefing, former British military intelligence officer Philip Ingram said Kyiv remained open to negotiations but insisted that any political process must be based on security guarantees and a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy rejected reports that Ukraine was preparing to hold elections in February, saying he had first learned of the claim through the Financial Times. He said elections could only take place once adequate security conditions were in place.
Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections under martial law, which has been in force since Russia’s full scale invasion. Zelenskyy said Kyiv had not initiated the debate on elections but was prepared to proceed once fighting stopped.
He said a ceasefire would also be required before any referendum, as voting could not be conducted safely during active hostilities.
Zelenskyy ruled out travelling to Moscow for talks with the Russian dictator, describing Russia as the aggressor. He said Ukraine would support US proposals for meetings in neutral countries or Western states, but not in Russia or Belarus.
He urged the United States and Europe to work together with Kyiv, warning that separate talks with Moscow would only benefit Russia.
“The war can end if America puts real pressure on Russia,” Zelenskyy said. “If there is willingness on both sides, the fighting could stop by summer.”
He said he had discussed recent diplomatic contacts with French President Emmanuel Macron, including meetings in Abu Dhabi involving Russian and US officials.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Washington of retreating from previous understandings and said Russia saw “no bright future” in economic cooperation with the United States.
He claimed that Moscow had accepted US proposals on Ukraine but that Washington had failed to follow through. He also accused the US of seeking control over global energy routes.
Lavrov said Russia was therefore strengthening ties with BRICS, the group of major emerging economies, to protect its financial and logistical interests.
He referred to earlier talks in Anchorage, saying Russia had agreed to US proposals and expected them to be implemented.
Lavrov also said that Moscow was unconcerned by European views on Ukraine, accusing most EU governments of what he called “Russophobia”.
Ingram said the remarks signalled growing irritation in the Kremlin and were unlikely to be welcomed in Washington.
He noted that the comments came ahead of the Munich Security Conference and a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
Political analyst Scott Lucas said Russia was angry because promised economic incentives had not materialised.
He said the Kremlin had sought major joint projects, including in rare earth minerals and manufacturing, in return for concessions on Ukraine.
Lucas said Moscow had attempted to appeal to the business interests of US president Donald Trump and his advisers, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
According to Lucas, Russian officials had hoped these proposals would lead Washington to weaken security guarantees for Ukraine.
He said Russia continued to pursue negotiations aimed at securing Ukrainian capitulation rather than a balanced settlement.
Meanwhile, Russian missile and drone attacks continued, striking Kharkiv, Odesa and Kyiv, killing at least three people and damaging energy infrastructure.
Economist and political commentator Bill Browder said Zelenskyy had made repeated concessions in pursuit of peace, while Russia had added new demands.
He said Moscow continued to seek control over parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that it had not captured militarily.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War said Russian military bloggers had exaggerated territorial gains, particularly in Zaporizhzhia region.
Researcher George Barros said Russian sources had recently revised their maps to correct earlier overstatements, presenting the changes as Ukrainian counter attacks.
He said available evidence suggested front lines had remained largely stable.
Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is concentrating up to 100,000 troops and preparing for a spring offensive, particularly around Donetsk and towards the Siverskyi Donets River.
Barros said harsh winter conditions had slowed operations but that intensified fighting was likely by March or April.
Commentators said Western sanctions were beginning to affect Russia’s economy. Ingram noted reports of rising food prices, including a sharp increase in cucumber costs, as evidence of mounting pressure on households.
He said much of Russia’s reserve funding had been used to support the war, while some industries were struggling to pay workers.
In separate comments, Browder welcomed restrictions on Russian forces’ access to Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, saying the move had disrupted Russian communications and reduced Ukrainian casualties.
Despite Moscow’s complaints, analysts said Russia remained unwilling to agree to a genuine ceasefire and continued to pursue maximalist goals.
