Russia Blames Kyiv and Europe 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 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 about a lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine, Peskov confirmed this situation:
"Of course, we cannot talk about any kind of mutual trust now. This is not a deficit of trust, but its absence."
Peskov avoided commenting on US President Donald Trump's statement about ending eight armed conflicts since the beginning of the year and his desire to add the Ukrainian settlement to his achievements, despite claims of "great progress" made by Washington.
On the possibility of a meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump, Peskov said such a meeting would be sought by both sides at some point but must be preceded by thorough preparations.
Summary: The Kremlin attributes the stalled Ukrainian peace talks to Kyiv's political stance and European influence, highlighting a complete lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine.