The Trump administration’s move to eliminate Ukraine membership in NATO has sent shock waves across the globe. On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov received the decision positively, labeling it “something that causes our satisfaction.” General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s representative, told on Sunday that membership of Ukraine in NATO is “off the table,” mirroring Moscow’s historic objections.

In the meantime, President Vladimir Putin is still willing to accept peace but insists that Kyiv drop its pursuit of NATO membership and retreat from occupied territories. Trump now emerges as a would-be peacemaker. But is this really a peace initiative or a political deal?

Kremlin Welcomes US Position

Russia has long considered NATO expansion to be a direct threat. On Monday, Dmitry Peskov confirmed that several indications from Washington suggested that membership in NATO for Ukraine was no longer being pursued.

“This corresponds to our point of view,” he said. “Of course, this is something that makes us feel pleased.”

US position ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine ‘gives SATISFACTION’ — Kremlin

‘In fact, [NATO’s Ukraine ambition] is one of the root causes of the conflict’ — Kremlin spox Peskov added pic.twitter.com/8g4fMiOJ6O

— RT (@RT_com) April 21, 2025

Peskov reiterated Russia’s central concern: If Ukraine becomes a member of the US-led alliance, it will threaten Russian national security. He again mentioned this as one of the underlying causes of the conflict.

Putin’s Peace Offer Has Strings

Despite the admiration, Russia’s conditions for peace remain unchanged. Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to officially give up its NATO ambitions. He also insists on a complete withdrawal of the military from the four partially occupied Ukrainian territories Russia now annexes.

Vladimir Putin, as reported by Reuters, will make a deal with Trump in November but not at the expense of significant territorial concessions.

Trump’s Role: Peacemaker or Strategist?

Donald Trump spoke on Sunday, hoping that Russia and Ukraine could sign a peace deal this week. While the Kremlin welcomed the optimism, Peskov refused to comment on timing.

“President Putin and the Russian side are still ready to find a peaceful settlement,” Peskov stated, adding that negotiations are in progress with the American side.

Covert Negotiations, No Public Deals

Responding to questions on reports that the US could recognize Russia’s occupation of Crimea as part of a larger deal, Peskov declined to comment. He emphasized that peace talks should occur behind closed doors.

“Work on a peaceful settlement cannot be done in public,” he said. “It must be done in an entirely discreet manner.”

Trump’s action to cut off Ukraine’s path to NATO is not foreign policy—it’s a political play. By casting himself as a dealmaker between Putin and Zelenskyy, Trump aims to restore his reputation as a world negotiator. This turn of events could become the linchpin of his 2025 campaign and redefine U.S. diplomacy on Ukraine.