Russia Blames Kyiv and 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. During 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,"
Regarding US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's comments on the 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 declined to comment on US President Donald Trump's recent assertion that he has ended eight armed conflicts this year and aims to add the Ukrainian settlement to his list of achievements, noting that Washington has made "great progress" on the issue.
On the possibility of a meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump, Peskov remarked that such a meeting would be welcomed by both parties at the right time, but it must be preceded by thorough preparatory work.
Author’s summary: Russia holds Kyiv’s refusal and European influence responsible for the stalled peace process, emphasizing a total lack of trust and cautious diplomacy ahead of potential talks.