Kremlin awaits Ukraine's response on dates for 3rd round of Istanbul peace talks, spokesman says

MOSCOW

Russia is still awaiting a response from Ukraine regarding possible dates for the next round of direct bilateral talks in Istanbul, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

"As soon as the dates have been agreed upon, which we hope will happen soon, we will inform you immediately," Peskov told a press briefing in Moscow.

The first two rounds of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine — the first in over three years — were held in May and June, respectively.

Asked about remarks from the US and EU on additional arms deliveries to Ukraine, Peskov said such statements show a lack of interest in pursuing peace.

Regarding media reports that Washington has suspended some arms shipments to Ukraine, he said no conclusive evidence has emerged so far, with conflicting reports

"It is evident that deliveries are ongoing, and equally clear is Europe's active engagement in supplying weaponry to Ukraine. These actions clearly run counter to efforts aimed at fostering peace. Thus, the path chosen by European leaders appears deliberately designed to perpetuate hostilities rather than facilitate reconciliation," he said.

At the same time, Russia highly appreciates US President Donald Trump and his team's efforts towards peaceful settlement in Ukraine and sees potential for rekindling relations with the US, he stressed.

Peskov said there is "a very broad potential" between Russia and the US for relaunching trade and economic relations, and joint projects would meet demand from businesses on both sides and could bring profit to each party.

Turning to the EU threats to impose the toughest ever sanctions against Russia in the near future, the official said the Kremlin will closely monitor information about the new package under preparation and will do everything possible to minimize their impact. Due to opposition by Hungary and Slovakia, the 27-member bloc has so far failed to approve the 18th sanctions package it unveiled on June 10.

Asked if Russia may revise the list of "unfriendly" countries, Peskov responded positively, saying a country remains classified as unfriendly until it ceases taking unfriendly actions. "It is not set in stone," he remarked.