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 settlement. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov accused the European Union of encouraging Ukraine to prolong 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."
Addressing US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's comments about the lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine, Peskov confirmed,
"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 statement from Thursday, where Trump claimed he had ended eight armed conflicts so far this year and wished to add the Ukrainian issue to his achievements, saying Washington had made "great progress."
Regarding a possible meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump, Peskov noted that such a meeting will be requested by both nations at an appropriate time but emphasized it must follow thorough and careful preparation.
Author’s summary: The Kremlin attributes the Ukrainian conflict stalemate to Kyiv's reluctance for diplomacy and European provocation, noting a complete lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine.
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