**Russia Sees US as Main Partner in Ukraine Negotiations**
The Kremlin believes that the United States is its main partner in negotiations to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. This was stated by Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin.
Peskov said that Ukraine will participate in the talks “in one way or another.” However, he also mentioned a “bilateral Russian-American track” for negotiations.
**US and Russia Discuss Peace Talks**
On February 12, former US President Donald Trump held separate calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump said that both leaders want to stop the war in Ukraine and that negotiations will start “immediately.”
Peskov also announced that Russia has started forming a group for talks with the US, including discussions about the war in Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Role in Negotiations Unclear**
The extent of Ukraine’s involvement in the talks remains unclear. Zelensky wants European partners to be involved in peace negotiations. However, a Ukrainian official denied reports that Ukraine would participate in a joint meeting between US and Russian representatives in Munich.
**US Seeks Russia’s Return to G7**
Trump expressed his desire for Russia to rejoin the Group of Seven (G7) countries, saying that it was a “mistake” for them to be expelled in 2014.
**European Markets Gain Amid Peace Hopes**
Europe’s main stock market and currencies are gaining amid growing optimism about a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
