Kremlin Demands Ceasefire-First Framework — Zelensky: 'Not Actions of Those Who Think War Is Ending'

On May 14, 2026, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov outlined Russia's conditions for renewed negotiations: a ceasefire must be agreed first, followed by a corridor toward full-scale peace talks — directly contradicting Ukraine's insistence that security guarantees must precede any ceasefire. Zelensky responded to continued Russian strikes: 'These are definitely not the actions of those who believe the war is coming to an end.' Peace talks remained at an impasse, with NYT assessing negotiations had effectively failed; Washington's diplomatic attention had shifted toward Iran. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Sybiha reiterated that no territorial concessions would be accepted without binding NATO or equivalent security guarantees. Russia continued demanding cession of the remainder of Donetsk Oblast — the core sticking point. CNN published a major analysis on May 14 concluding 'Russia's winning streak in Ukraine is over,' citing territorial stabilization after months of Russian gains and Ukraine's expanding long-range strike reach. The analysis noted that Russia had suffered a net territorial loss in April 2026 — its first since August 2024.