The Kremlin has dismissed calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his allies for immediate peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized other priorities, highlighting Putin’s upcoming travel plans, which include a significant visit to China and participation in an economic forum in Vladivostok.
Peskov announced that Putin would be in China from August 31 to September 3 before heading to Russia’s far east. While he acknowledged that there are ongoing communications between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators stemming from prior discussions in Istanbul, he confirmed that no date has been set for the continuation of these talks.
The possibility of a meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy, previously suggested by US President Donald Trump, was not addressed by Peskov. He also refrained from commenting on various remarks surrounding potential resolutions to the Ukraine conflict. When discussing future security guarantees for Ukraine, Peskov underscored the significance of this matter, reiterating Russia’s firm stance against the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine.
Peskov stated, “A European troop deployment in Ukraine would mean a NATO presence there,” which he indicated was a key concern for Russia from the outset. He characterized the advancement of NATO military infrastructure into Ukraine as a principal cause of the current conflict.
When pressed about Russia’s willingness to negotiate, Peskov insisted that discussions should remain confidential, stating, “The work should not be conducted publicly – only in this way can a result be achieved.” He commended Trump’s mediation efforts, asserting their importance in resolving the “complex longstanding conflict,” which Russia claims was not initiated by them.
Conversely, Ukraine and its allies describe the ongoing conflict as a clear act of aggression by Russia, which has caused extensive suffering over more than three and a half years.
On a related note, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, revealed on Wednesday that he is currently in Riyadh with security council chief Rustem Umerov to explore avenues for peace, including Saudi Arabia’s potential role in the process. Yermak shared on social media that meetings have taken place with Saudi Arabia’s defense minister and national security adviser.
Zelenskiy previously suggested that Turkey, Gulf states, or European countries could serve as potential hosts for discussions with Putin, indicating a willingness to explore various diplomatic avenues. The lack of immediate progress in peace talks continues to underline the challenges facing both nations in seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
