The Kremlin confirmed on Friday that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been paused, while also accusing European nations of obstructing the process. Moscow insisted it remains willing to continue dialogue despite the stall.
US President Donald Trump has been attempting to mediate between the two countries, but his efforts have so far failed to deliver tangible results.
“The communication channels are still active and negotiators can use them, but at present it is more accurate to say that discussions are on hold,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
This year, Russian and Ukrainian representatives have met three times in Istanbul, most recently on July 23. These meetings led to limited agreements, such as the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of bodies. However, the two sides remain far apart on the broader terms of a possible peace settlement.
Moscow has accused Kyiv of refusing to acknowledge what it describes as “ground realities.” Ukraine, meanwhile, argues that Russia is pretending to engage in peace efforts while simultaneously seeking to expand its territorial control, according to a Reuters report.