Russia Blames Kyiv and Europe for Ukrainian Peace Process Stall
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the halt in resolving the Ukrainian conflict stems from Kyiv's refusal to engage politically and diplomatically. Speaking at a Moscow press briefing, he accused the European Union of encouraging Ukraine to keep 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 about missing trust between Russia and Ukraine, Peskov confirmed the absence of mutual trust.
"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 of having ended eight armed conflicts this year and his desire to add Ukraine to his list of achievements, despite Washington’s "great progress" in the matter.
On a potential meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump, Peskov noted it would be mutually desired at some point but must follow thorough preparatory work.
Summary: The Kremlin attributes the deadlock in Ukraine peace talks to Kyiv’s stance and European influence, confirming a total lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine.