Russia Blames Kyiv and European Countries for Stalled Ukrainian Peace Process
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there is currently no trust between Russia and Ukraine. The pause in resolving the Ukrainian conflict is attributed to Kyiv's reluctance to pursue diplomatic solutions.
Accusations Against the EU
Peskov criticized the European Union, claiming it provokes Ukraine to continue fighting. He explained:
"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."
Comments on Trust and US Involvement
Regarding US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's remarks about mutual trust, Peskov confirmed the lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine:
"Of course, we cannot talk about any kind of mutual trust now. This is not a deficit of trust, but its absence."
Statements on US President Trump's Remarks
Peskov declined to comment on statements by US President Donald Trump, who claimed to have ended eight armed conflicts this year and aimed to include Ukraine in his achievements. Trump asserted:
"Washington has already made great progress in this matter."
Possible Meeting Between Putin and Trump
Peskov noted that a meeting between President Putin and Trump might happen when both sides consider it necessary. However, it would require meticulous preparatory work before such a meeting.
Summary: Russian officials attribute the stalled Ukraine peace process to Kyiv's reluctance for diplomacy and EU provocation, with trust between Russia and Ukraine remaining absent.