Russia Blames Kyiv, European Countries for Stalled Ukrainian Peace Process
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the pause in resolving the Ukrainian conflict results from Kyiv's reluctance to pursue a political and diplomatic solution. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov 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."
Responding to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's remarks about a lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine, Peskov confirmed the situation.
"Of course, we cannot talk about any kind of mutual trust now. This is not a deficit of trust, but its absence."
Peskov chose not to comment on US President Donald Trump's claim that he had ended eight armed conflicts since the beginning of the year and wished to add the Ukrainian conflict to his list of achievements, noting Washington's "great progress" in this area.
Regarding a possible summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Peskov said it would be welcomed by both parties at an appropriate time, provided it is preceded by careful preparations.
Author's summary: The Kremlin attributes the halt in Ukraine peace talks to Kyiv's unwillingness and European provocations, confirming a complete lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine.