Kremlin blames Kyiv for stalled talks, Zelenskyy's Office responds
Photo: Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia is simulating openness to dialogue. Another manipulation sounds simultaneously with missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, said the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak.
Dynamics depends on Kyiv
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, quoted by TASS, claimed that the progress of negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow supposedly depends largely on Ukraine’s position, as well as on the effectiveness of US mediation.
He also repeated the Kremlin’s narrative about the "real situation on the ground" needing to be taken into account during talks.
Yermak's response
"The Kremlin is once again pretending to be open to dialogue, attempting to shift responsibility for prolonging the war. 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 stated.
As noted by the Head of the Presidential Office, Russia demonstrates its unwillingness to pursue peace every day and tries to impose a distorted narrative on the world. At the same time, it is Moscow that remains the initiator and driving force behind the 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," Yermak emphasized.
Ukraine–Russia negotiations
In 2025, Russia and Ukraine resumed direct negotiations. As of now, two rounds of talks have already taken place. During the latest dialogue, Kyiv and Moscow agreed on prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the date of the third round of talks will be set after the completion of the prisoner exchanges.
