Russia Blames Kyiv and Europe for Stalled Ukrainian Peace Process
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the delay in resolving the Ukrainian conflict stems from Kyiv's refusal to pursue a political and diplomatic solution. Speaking at a Moscow press briefing, Peskov accused the European Union of encouraging Ukraine to continue hostilities.
"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, emphasizing the total absence of trust.
"Of course, we cannot talk about any kind of mutual trust now. This is not a deficit of trust, but its absence."
Peskov did not comment on US President Donald Trump's remarks from Thursday, where Trump claimed he had ended eight armed conflicts this year and hoped to add the Ukrainian conflict to his achievements, stating Washington had made "great progress."
On the prospects of a meeting between President Putin and President Trump, Peskov said such a meeting would eventually be sought by both parties but must be preceded by thorough preparation.
Summary
The Kremlin holds Kyiv and European countries responsible for halting the Ukrainian peace talks, with absent trust between the parties and a potential Putin-Trump meeting requiring careful groundwork.