Russia on Thursday accused Ukraine of withdrawing from March peace talks “on orders” from the United States, despite “a very, very difficult balance being struck” between Kyiv and Moscow.
“Actually, the text was ready. (…) And then suddenly the Ukrainian side disappeared from the radar, saying they no longer wanted to continue negotiations,” said Russian Presidency spokesman Dmitry Peskov before declaring that President Vladimir Putin considered it “obvious” that “such a rejection of the agreements already reached was clearly on Washington’s orders”.
“It’s perfectly obvious,” he insisted.
The press questioned Peskov about comments made the day before by GuineaBissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, following Putin’s meeting, who said his Russian counterpart was ready to negotiate with Kyiv.
According to Peskov, Russia is “ready to secure its interests at the negotiating table.”
“We want to, but in this specific case we are talking about complete restraint by Ukraine,” said the spokesman.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly ruled out negotiations with Moscow and denounced Putin’s “prepared rhetoric”.
At the end of September he was categorical and said he would not negotiate with Russia while Putin was president.
Negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow have stalled since March and both sides are exchanging accusations for the deadlock.