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The Kremlin confirmed Monday it hasn’t established any communication with Donald Trump or his representatives following the U.S. president-elect’s appeal for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end what he termed “the madness” of war.

The ongoing conflict, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion, has resulted in massive casualties, forced millions to flee their homes, and created the most severe diplomatic crisis between Moscow and Western nations since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Trump cited casualties of 400,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 600,000 Russian troops killed or wounded. However, Russia maintains secrecy about its losses, while Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy reported 43,000 military fatalities and 370,000 wounded among their forces.

When questioned about potential contact with Trump or his team, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov replied: “No, there have still been no contacts.”

Peskov referenced the Kremlin’s position outlined in a rare Sunday statement.

The Russian government expressed openness to negotiations on Sunday, but emphasized these must align with the 2022 Istanbul agreements and reflect current battlefield conditions, where Russian forces are achieving their fastest advancement since the war’s early stages.

Trump, who pledges to quickly resolve the conflict, could return to the White House as Russia strengthens its position. Moscow currently controls Ukrainian territory comparable to Virginia’s size and continues its rapid territorial gains.

For peace negotiations to proceed, Putin demands Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO membership and Russian control over four partially-occupied Ukrainian regions.

According to Reuters’ recent reporting, while Putin is willing to discuss ceasefire terms with Trump, he refuses significant territorial concessions and remains firm on preventing Ukraine’s NATO membership.