The Kremlin said on Monday that it wants the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible, but that efforts to resolve the conflict have stalled. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasised that Russia prefers a political and diplomatic solution, but insisted the pause in talks is not Russia’s fault, placing the responsibility on Kyiv.
Peskov criticised Ukraine and its European allies, claiming they are being encouraged to pursue a military victory rather than negotiate, a stance he described as a “deep delusion” given the current situation on the battlefield. No direct talks between Russia and Ukraine have taken place since 23 July, and proposals for a summit, including efforts by former U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, have been rejected. The Kremlin maintains that any summit could only occur in Moscow, a condition Zelenskiy has consistently refused.
As the conflict nears its fourth year, Russia continues to occupy approximately 19% of Ukrainian territory and is focusing its military campaign on the cities of Pokrovsk and Kupiansk. Ukrainian authorities and their allies reject Moscow’s claims, insisting that Ukraine has remained open to dialogue, highlighting the ongoing stalemate in peace efforts.
via Reuters
