While President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky work to set up a bilateral Russia-Ukraine summit, Moscow is making new demands that could cancel out the White House’s recent successes in seeking an end to the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.

Diplomacy has often been the last bridge standing during wars. Even when battles continue, leaders sometimes turn to talks to search for a way out. The war in Ukraine has dragged on for more than two years,

After a week of summits around peace for Ukraine, Russia is holding firm to its demands. While the White House suggests that progress is being made on a deal, Russian observers say the Kremlin is content to wait Kyiv out.