As the international spotlight remains firmly fixed on the enduring conflict in Ukraine and the broader deterioration of East-West relations, the Kremlin has sent a clear signal that despite renewed dialogue with the United States, the road to any meaningful breakthrough will be long and arduous. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking on April 13, emphasized the complexity of negotiations with Washington, calling for “patience” and “painstaking work” as the two powers attempt to rebuild a relationship deeply damaged in recent years.

Peskov’s remarks followed a high-profile meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on April 11. The discussions, while shrouded in diplomatic opacity, reportedly centered around potential pathways to de-escalate the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin described the engagement as part of broader efforts toward conflict resolution, while the White House characterized it as “another step in the negotiating process.”

Yet despite this glimmer of progress, Peskov was careful to tamp down any premature optimism. “Expectations by the public and journalists always border on maximalism,” he told Russian television host Pavel Zarubin. “In reality, the situation is slightly different. It is much more complicated, requiring more work and requiring more time.”

For years, US-Russia relations have deteriorated steadily, reaching near-Cold War levels of mistrust and hostility. The annexation of Crimea in 2014, alleged Russian interference in US........

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