Russia Blames Kyiv and Europe for Delay in Ukrainian Peace Process
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the Ukrainian conflict settlement is currently stalled due to Kyiv's refusal to pursue a political and diplomatic solution. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, he also blamed European countries for 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."
Regarding US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's comments on the lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine, Peskov affirmed 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 refrained from commenting on US President Donald Trump's claim that he has ended eight armed conflicts this year and hopes to include Ukraine among these successes, despite Washington's stated progress on the issue.
On a possible meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Trump, Peskov noted that both sides would eventually want such a dialogue, but it requires thorough preparation beforehand.
Author's summary: Russia attributes the stalled Ukrainian peace talks to Kyiv's reluctance and Europe's influence, emphasizing a total lack of trust while noting potential future talks between the leaders.
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