Peskov: Pause in Ukraine Talks is Kyiv's Fault

Russia remains open to resolving the Ukrainian crisis through diplomatic negotiations and political contacts, but there is currently a pause in the negotiation process. This was stated by Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, placing the responsibility entirely on Kyiv.

Commenting on the question of a possible meeting between Russian and Ukrainian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Peskov noted that no such meeting is planned. According to him, high-level contacts cannot be an end in themselves and should be based on thorough preparatory work at the expert level.

"You know that there is now a pause in the negotiation process. It is the negotiation process at the expert level that can prepare for high-level contacts," he said, stressing that there is currently no possibility of preparing for such a meeting.

The Kremlin spokesman accused the Ukrainian side of passivity. "Unfortunately, we do not have the opportunity to prepare for such a meeting, as the Kyiv regime is in no hurry to continue the Istanbul negotiation process, is in no hurry to respond to the submitted drafts, is in no hurry to respond to the proposal to create three working groups," Peskov stated.

The Kremlin representative also touched upon other topics, noting that Moscow is analyzing all of President Donald Trump's statements with great attention. He added that Russia prefers to strengthen its armed forces in every possible way, while remaining a "complete supporter of peace."

The Moscow representative warned that those countries and individuals who try to illegally seize Russian assets will be held accountable. He informed that on October 1, President Putin will hold an operational meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council.