Is Russia ready to sign a peace deal?

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the news organization, Axios, announced a Trump Administration peace framework between Russia and Ukraine. On Thursday morning, Russia responded to the U.S. peace framework by sending 100 missiles and 145 drones to Kyiv (and other regions of Ukraine), bombing corners of the city, killing twelve people, and wounding at least ninety. It was the largest attack on Ukraine’s capital in over nine months.

Russian attacks on civilians have only escalated as the peace negotiation process has accelerated instead of de-escalating, with significant numbers of deaths in Krivyy Rih and Sumy.

President Trump, who has taken a conciliatory tone with Moscow since starting peace negotiations between the two countries, issued a rare admonishment toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 He wrote on his Truth Social account, “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, said late on Friday that “Russia is ready to reach a deal, but there are still some specific points — elements of this deal which need to be fine-tuned.” He declined to provide further details, according to excerpts of the interview that will air Sunday.

 The current U.S. framework meets many of Russia’s conditions for peace, and yet, Russia still seems to be dragging its feet and responding to peace overtures with acts of violence. Is Russia truly ready for peace or only looking for a pause in fighting to regroup later?