Russia says progress on peace talks depends on Kyiv, Washington’s efforts

ISTANBUL

The progress of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine depends on Kyiv and Washington’s efforts in this regard, the Kremlin spokesman said.

“A great deal depends, naturally, on the position of the Kyiv regime. It depends on how effectively Washington's mediation efforts will continue,” Dmitry Peskov said in remarks aired by Belarus 1 TV on Sunday.

Saying Russia’s position in this regard is “well known,” Peskov said the situation on the ground cannot be ignored and must be taken into account.

He said Moscow hopes the date for the third round of negotiations will be determined “in the very next few days.”

Last week, Peskov said the date for the third round of talks will be determined after completing all procedures related to the prisoner exchanges agreed to during the Istanbul peace talks.

On June 2, the Turkish metropolis hosted the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, after the first round on May 16.

At the latest talks, both sides agreed to exchange additional prisoners of war as well as return the bodies of 6,000 soldiers from each side. The two sides also gave each other peace proposals for resolving the more than three-year-long conflict.

Multiple swaps have taken place since then, with the most recent on June 26.

Later on Monday, Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, slammed Peskov's remarks as an attempt to shift responsibility for prolonging the conflict.

"Russian statements claiming that 'the dynamics of negotiations depend on Kyiv' are yet another manipulation. These words are uttered in parallel with missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and attempts to destroy critical infrastructure," Yermak said on X.

Russia is "unprepared" for peace, he said, adding that it proves this "every single day through its actions," further accusing Moscow of trying to impose a "distorted narrative on the world."

"The truth is simple: it is Moscow that initiated and continues to drive this war. It is the Kremlin that blocks all peace initiatives. Ukraine, on the other hand, consistently advocates for a ceasefire and peace on just and fair terms," he added.