Russia Blames Kyiv and Europe for Stalled Ukrainian Peace Talks
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the pause in resolving the Ukrainian conflict stems from Kyiv's refusal to pursue a political and diplomatic solution. He criticized the European Union for encouraging Ukraine to continue the fighting.
"The main thing that is currently slowing down the settlement process is the pause that has arisen due to the unwillingness of the Ukrainian side to follow the path of a political and diplomatic settlement, and due to the provocation of the Kyiv regime by the Europeans to continue further hostilities."
Regarding US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's remarks on the lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine, Peskov confirmed there is currently no trust between the two sides.
"Of course, we cannot talk about any kind of mutual trust now. This is not a deficit of trust, but its absence."
Peskov refrained from commenting on US President Donald Trump's statement that he has ended eight armed conflicts this year and hopes to add the Ukrainian conflict to his list of successes, noting Washington has made significant progress in this area.
On the possibility of a meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump, Peskov said it would be welcomed by both sides at the right time but must be preceded by thorough preparation.
Summary
The Kremlin attributes the halt in Ukrainian peace progress to Kyiv’s stance and European provocations, confirming a total lack of trust and cautious diplomacy ahead of potential high-level talks.