Russia prefers peaceful solution to Ukraine conflict
Two rounds of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine have taken place this year in Istanbul – in mid-May and early June – but a third has yet to be scheduled. Peskov addressed the stalled diplomatic efforts during a routine press briefing.
'We should wait for some signals from the Kiev regime, who should say whether they want to hold a third round of direct talks or not,' Peskov said. 'We have repeatedly said that we would prefer achieving our goals through peaceful political-diplomatic means.'
He added, 'As long as this outcome is impossible, the special military operation continues, and realities on the ground are changing every day.'
His comments came as the United States reportedly resumed weapons deliveries to Ukraine following a brief pause. President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of 'throwing a lot of bullsh*t' at Washington – remarks the Kremlin characterized as rhetorical flourishes typical of the American leader.
Trump maintains his interest in brokering a compromise to resolve the conflict. Initially Kiev agreed to resume direct talks with Moscow after the White House signaled support for renewed diplomacy. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tikhiy said in an interview this week that Kiev's consent to negotiations was partly driven by a desire to avoid being blamed by Western leaders for obstructing Trump's peace agenda.
On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the ASEAN forum in Malaysia. The two officials spoke for nearly an hour, after which Rubio downplayed the earlier pause in US military aid and urged European nations backing Kiev to increase their support.
'One of the things that the Ukrainians need is more Patriot batteries,' Rubio said, referencing the US-made long-range air defense systems. 'There are Patriot batteries available in multiple countries in Europe, yet no one wants to part with them.'
He argued that countries prioritizing Ukraine's defense should be willing to send Kiev equipment that is currently not being used.
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