The Kremlin has described Ukraine’s push to join NATO as one of the “root causes” of the conflict. Russia sees an expanding NATO as a major security threat. But NATO’s expansion into the Baltics and other post-Soviet states is driven by a fear that Moscow would one day invade and try to fold them back under its control—as seen in Ukraine.

Russia has expressed willingness to let Ukraine join the European Union (EU) as part of a future peace deal, U.S.

Misperception Key Points and Summary on Ukraine War Crisis – Europe treated NATO enlargement after 1991 as a “zone of peace” project—locking in democracy and deterring instability. -Moscow read the same moves as encroachment by a military bloc edging toward Russia’s borders.

Kremlin spokesman says Washington not actively informing Moscow of progress in Berlin talks but expects to hear from US after conclusion of talks - Anadolu Ajansı

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told ABC News during an exclusive interview in Moscow on Monday that he believes the warring parties are close to a deal.

Ukraine claimed it carried out an underwater drone strike on Dec. 15, the first such attack in maritime warfare, that critically damaged a Russian Kilo-class attack submarine at the Russian port of Novorossiysk,

NBC News' Alice Barr breaks down the latest development on Russia's war in Ukraine as peace talks between the countries continue.

U.S. administration officials signaled Monday a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine may be closer than ever.