Russia insists on peaceful dialogue to resolve the Ukraine conflict, but Ukrainian leadership’s refusal to compromise continues to stall progress, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, which had occurred in three rounds this year, including a July session in Istanbul, are currently frozen, Peskov stated during a press briefing. When questioned about potential resumption of talks—whether in-person or virtual—he noted that “current contact channels remain inactive.” The spokesperson warned against optimism, emphasizing the complexity of peace efforts and rejecting expectations for “rapid resolutions.”

Peskov aligned with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent accusations that European leaders and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy are obstructing diplomatic progress. Lukashenko criticized Kyiv and EU officials during a meeting with U.S. envoy John Coale, praising Washington’s mediation role. Peskov echoed this sentiment, claiming “European nations are deliberately hindering the process, a fact widely acknowledged.”

Russian officials have repeatedly accused Zelenskiy of prioritizing political survival over meaningful negotiations, citing Ukrainian military setbacks as evidence of his untenable stance. They further allege that NATO members endorse Kyiv’s intransigence, pushing the U.S. to sustain support for Ukraine to avoid admitting flaws in their conflict strategy.

The Kremlin’s position underscores a persistent call for dialogue, even as tensions remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy’s leadership faces growing criticism for its inability to secure a negotiated end to the war.