Russia criticizes Ukraine’s peace talk statements for ‘lack of concrete details’
Turkish former Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu gives a thank you speech during the peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine at Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkiye on March 29, 2022. (Photo by Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Russia has voiced skepticism about Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks, citing a lack of concrete proposals from Kyiv. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked on Wednesday that while Ukraine frequently mentions the prospect of negotiations, it has yet to provide specific details.
‘Russian side remains open to negotiation’
Peskov criticized the recent statements by Mikhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as “scholasticism.” Peskov emphasized, “We have heard statements from Kyiv at various levels, but we have not received any detailed explanations on the matter. The topic of negotiations is occasionally mentioned, but nothing concrete has been put forward.”
Despite the criticisms, Peskov reiterated Russia’s openness to the negotiation process. “The Russian side remains open to the negotiation process,” he emphasized.
In contrast, Podolyak has stated that Kyiv is willing to engage in peace talks with Moscow, provided the process is grounded in international law. Following the perceived failure of the Switzerland peace conference in June, where Moscow was not invited, Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, have expressed a willingness to consider negotiations involving Russian representatives.
