Russia Blames Kyiv and Europe for Ukrainian Peace Process Stall
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attributed the current pause in resolving the Ukrainian conflict to Kyiv's reluctance to adopt a political and diplomatic approach. Speaking during a press briefing in Moscow, he also accused the European Union of encouraging Ukraine to continue 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."
Addressing US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's comments about distrust between Russia and Ukraine, Peskov agreed:
"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 about ending eight armed conflicts this year and his hopes to add Ukraine to that list, claiming significant progress by Washington.
Regarding a potential meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump, Peskov noted that such a meeting would be mutually desired at the appropriate time but must be preceded by thorough preparation.
Key Points
- Kyiv's reluctance to pursue diplomacy is blamed for the stalled peace process.
- The EU is accused of provoking Ukraine to continue hostilities.
- No mutual trust exists between Russia and Ukraine currently.
- Peskov declined to comment on Trump's claimed successes in conflict resolution.
- A future Putin-Trump meeting is possible but requires careful groundwork.
Summary: The Kremlin holds Kyiv and European actors responsible for the stalled Ukraine peace talks, highlighting complete mutual distrust and emphasizing that any high-level talks need careful preparation.