Trilateral talks involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are set to take place over the next two days, with the primary focus on ending the ongoing Ukraine war. Ahead of the discussions, remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin have drawn international attention, raising speculation over a possible shift in Moscow’s stance toward peace.
Speaking at a Russian Security Council meeting, President Putin said Russia is prepared to allocate its assets toward the reconstruction of war-damaged Ukraine. He also announced that Russia would contribute $1 billion from Russian assets frozen by the United States to the proposed “Board of Peace”, intended to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan put forward by US President Donald Trump. Putin clarified that the release of these funds would be contingent on the signing of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, adding that consultations with US representatives are ongoing. He also praised the efforts of the US administration and Donald Trump in seeking a resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
Despite these statements, uncertainty remains over the outcome of the trilateral talks. Observers suggest Russia may prioritize discussions on easing or avoiding US sanctions imposed on Moscow and its business partners. At the same time, Russia has shown no clear indication of a major change in its position on the conflict, which has continued for nearly four years. Analysts note that while Putin has signaled willingness to pursue peace, deep-seated differences between the two sides could limit tangible progress.
According to estimates as of February 2025, Ukraine’s reconstruction, along with long-term economic and social support over the next decade, is expected to require funding of approximately $524 billion.