Title: Amid Kursk Assault, Are There Peace Talks Between Russia and Ukraine?

On Monday, Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov indicated that "Moscow is not prepared to engage in peace talks with Ukraine at this time amid Kyiv's assault on the Russian Kursk region, but Russia will not withdraw its previous peace proposals." Ushakov stated in a video statement broadcast by the "S.H.O.T." news network: "At this stage, given this adventure, we will not negotiate." The sudden Ukrainian incursion, the largest in Russia from a foreign force since World War II, began on August 6 when thousands of Ukrainian soldiers crossed Russia's western border, causing significant embarrassment for the Russian military. When asked whether the peace proposals put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June are now off the table, Ushakov said they are not. He added: "No, the proposals have not been canceled. But at this stage, of course, it would be completely inappropriate to enter into any form of negotiation."