The Kremlin has announced a "deep pause" in peace negotiations with Ukraine and rejected a proposed summit involving Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky without a pre-agreed deal, saying there is "absolutely no point" in such a meeting. The developments, reported by the Kyiv Post and alongside reports of a secret CIA chief visit to Moscow, indicate continued diplomatic stalemate as Russian military operations continue in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Donetsk. Warnings from Kyrylo Budanov of winter fighting and possible new Russian offensives in northern Ukraine, together with Russia’s rejection of a Black Sea ceasefire proposal, have weakened expectations for near-term progress. Market pricing for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire agreement by December 31, 2026, has declined.