Charles Mains

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hoped to maintain pragmatic ties with Hungary's new political leadership, but would wait to see how events developed.

Peskov noted that Hungary's next prime minister, Peter Marzhan, has already pledged to engage with Russia...

A move Marzars said was unavoidable given Hungary's geography and continued reliance on Russian energy exports.

Still, the result of Hungary's election was widely seen as a blow to Kremlin interests.

Hungary's now outgoing prime minister, Viktor Orban, has long served as Moscow's closest ally in the European Union.

Orban has also repeatedly undermined EU support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion of its neighbor.

Charles Mainz, NPR News, Moscow.

The Kremlin's lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, gave no explanation for the abrupt end to the meetings, described them as difficult and businesslike, and said they would continue at a later date.

Ukraine noted progress in negotiations, a view shared by White House envoy Steve Witkoff, though neither provided further details.

Negotiations have bogged down over Russian ultimatums Ukraine surrender territory, including land not controlled by Russian forces, as well as Ukraine's demands for ironclad security guarantees from the U.S.

should it even consider a deal.

Ahead of the talks, President Trump said the onus was on Kiev to make concessions, saying Ukraine better come to the table fast.

Charles Mainz, NPR News, Moscow.

The most immediate outcome of the talks is more talks.

Russia agreed to take part in a trilateral meeting with military representatives from the U.S.

and Ukraine in the United Arab Emirates.

And while Kremlin officials described the meeting with Witkow and Kushner in glowing terms, there was no immediate progress towards ending the war in Ukraine.

Kremlin aide Yuriy Shchekhov said a durable peace would not be possible until territorial issues were resolved.

Russian shorthand for demands that Ukraine cede land claimed but not controlled by Moscow.

Yurchikov added that until then, Russia would continue to pursue its military objectives on the battlefield.