On Monday, Moscow dismissed the possibility of peace negotiations with Ukraine, even as Kyiv intensified pressure on the Kremlin by announcing new gains in its ongoing two-week offensive into Russian territory. Ukraine launched its military operation across the border on August 6, advancing several kilometers into Russia's Kursk region and securing a significant area. President Zelensky declared on Monday that Ukraine now holds over 1,250 square kilometers and 92 settlements. This marks the most extensive attack on Russian soil since World War II, causing unease in Moscow and surprising Ukraine's Western allies. Zelensky asserted that the incursion is fulfilling Kyiv's strategic goals, which include dispersing Russian forces, establishing a buffer zone, and expediting a resolution to the conflict on equitable terms. However, in a speech to his ambassadors, he called for partner countries to permit the use of long-range weapons to target deep within Russia and impede its progress in the east. "Ukraine is on the brink of stopping the Russian army's advance with just one decision from our partners: the authorization for long-range capabilities," Zelensky stated. He emphasized that any delay in this decision effectively supports Russia's offensive, especially in the eastern Donetsk region. Additionally, he noted that the incursion into Kursk could have been avoided if Ukraine had access to such defensive weapons to safeguard border areas. Zelensky urged diplomats to organize a second peace summit this year, emphasizing the need to compel Russia, through collective effort and strength, to seek peace. Nevertheless, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that Kyiv's attack had diminished the chances of peace talks. "At this stage, considering these actions, we will not engage in discussions," he said. He deemed entering negotiations as inappropriate and stated that any future talks would hinge on battlefield developments, particularly in the Kursk region. Moscow, determined to maintain its momentum in eastern Ukraine, claimed control over another village in the war-torn Donetsk region on Monday. Anticipating further attacks, Ukraine ordered the evacuation of families from the strategic city of Pokrovsk as Russian forces approached the logistics hub. In Kursk, Ukrainian troops have established administrative offices and released unprecedented footage of Ukrainian soldiers patrolling Russian streets. "We are achieving our objectives. This morning, we received additional contributions to our prisoner of war exchange fund for our country," Zelensky remarked, referring to the capture of more Russian troops. The possibility of peace talks seemed unlikely even before Ukraine's incursion into Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin had insisted that Ukraine must relinquish large territories for a ceasefire. Zelensky, who has rejected direct talks with the Kremlin, demands a complete Russian withdrawal from all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, and compensation. In an effort to advance a potential settlement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine on Friday, according to officials in New Delhi and Kyiv. Modi, who recently visited Moscow, maintains a close relationship with Putin and has openly expressed his desire to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine continued its offensive in Kursk on Monday.