Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were on the verge of collapse due to an assassination attempt on Vladimir Alexeyev, the First Deputy Head of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). The incident occurred in Moscow on February 6, leading Russian authorities to promptly accuse Ukraine of orchestrating the attack. This accusation intensified tensions and further complicated the already fragile peace negotiations, placing significant pressure on both delegations.

As the Russian side prepared to engage in talks, led by GRU head Igor Kostyukov, the attempt on Alexeyev's life became a focal point for the Kremlin. Officials sought to establish a 'Ukrainian connection' to the incident, despite Kyiv's consistent denials. The aftermath of the attack showed a clear division in narratives, where Ukraine claimed that such allegations were unfounded and merely a tactic to distract from Russia's ongoing military challenges.

Despite the near derailment of the discussions over the course of weeks, the talks eventually resumed. However, the shadow of the assassination attempt loomed large, illustrating the delicate nature of diplomatic efforts in times of heightened hostility. This incident not only affected the immediate negotiations but also highlighted the broader implications of trust and accountability between the two nations, emphasizing how easily misperceptions can escalate into conflict.