Moscow: Russia on Monday asserted that the issue of Ukraine's non-accession to NATO necessitates 'special attention.' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the significance of this matter during a press briefing, indicating that it is central to the ongoing negotiations for a peace settlement in Ukraine.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov's comments followed a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who described bilateral security guarantees with the US, Europe, and other countries as a 'compromise' in place of Ukraine's NATO membership. This marks a notable shift in Kyiv's stance, as Ukraine's aspiration to join NATO had been enshrined in its Constitution following a 2019 parliamentary vote.

Russia has consistently opposed Ukraine's accession to NATO, with President Vladimir Putin labeling it a "direct threat" to Moscow's security shortly before the onset of the war in February 2022. Peskov also noted that while meetings are being held in Berlin regarding a potential Ukraine peace deal, the Kremlin is not receiving active updates from Washington on the talks' progress, and it awaits a response from the American side post-negotiations.

On Sunday, lengthy discussions took place involving Zelenskyy, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and delegations from both countries. These talks, which lasted over five hours, resumed on Monday, as reported by state news agency Ukrinform, citing a source within Ukraine's delegation. The meetings are part of ongoing efforts to establish a peace framework to end the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, with previous consultations held in Switzerland, the US, and other diplomatic initiatives in Istanbul.

Germany hosted these consultations in anticipation of a broader summit expected on Monday evening, bringing together the Ukrainian president, European leaders, and representatives from the EU and NATO. It remains uncertain whether US officials will participate in this meeting.