The Kremlin is still waiting for Kyiv to propose dates for the next round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as Moscow criticises continued Western arms supplies to Ukraine and signals potential flexibility on its "unfriendly countries" list.
Speaking at a briefing on July 8, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow had not yet received any proposals from the Ukrainian side regarding new rounds of peace talks. He noted that, as President Vladimir Putin stated earlier, Russia was ready to proceed as soon as dates were proposed and agreed upon. Peskov expressed hope that an agreement would be reached soon, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.
His comments follow two rounds of negotiations held in Istanbul on May 26 and June 2, during which both sides agreed on a major prisoner exchange. The agreement included a “1,000 for 1,000” swap and the return of seriously ill prisoners and those under 25 years old based on an “all for all” principle.
Peskov also criticised the continued supply of Western weapons to Ukraine, arguing that it contradicts efforts toward a peaceful resolution. He said there had been no clear information indicating that US arms deliveries had ceased, and claimed that both the United States and European countries remained actively involved in arming Ukraine. According to him, such actions demonstrate a “commitment to prolonging hostilities rather than encouraging peace talks.”
On another note, Peskov addressed Russia’s list of “unfriendly” countries, suggesting that it could be revised depending on future developments. He emphasised that the list was not set in stone and could change if countries altered their approach toward Russia.
A nation would remain on the list only as long as it continued to take “unfriendly actions,” he said, adding that restoration of bilateral relations could lead to the reconsideration of its status. However, he confirmed that no changes to the list had been made so far.
By Sabina Mammadli
Source: caliber.az
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