Kremlin Says Too Early to Comment on US-Ukraine Air Ceasefire Talks
Main Developments in US-Ukraine Air Ceasefire Discussions
Russian Response to Ceasefire Reports
July 26 (Reuters) - Russia considers it premature to comment on reports that the United States and Ukraine are discussing a possible halt to aerial attacks as part of efforts to end the war, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday.
Background of Ceasefire Proposals
Ukrainian and U.S. Initiatives
A Ukrainian source told Reuters that Ukrainian and U.S. officials had discussed a proposal for an air ceasefire to present to Russia as part of a new push to revive peace talks aimed at ending the conflict triggered by Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Past Ceasefire Offers to Russia
The source said Ukraine had approached Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past with offers of a ceasefire, which had been turned down. However, some officials believe that pressure on Russia's economy from ongoing Ukrainian drone and missile strikes may soften Putin's stance.
Kremlin's Official Statements
Peskov's Comments on Media Reports
"We do not know how credible these reports are or where they come from. These are newspaper reports and nothing more. Therefore, it is premature to comment on them at this stage," the Interfax news agency quoted Peskov as saying.
Conditions for Russian Response
He said Russia's response to any new peace initiative would depend on whether it aligns with Moscow's interests.
"We have heard statements that some new formulas may be possible. We still need to learn more about them," Peskov said.
"And, over time, some formulas or proposals will probably be put forward. What happens next will depend on how closely they correspond to our interests."
Diplomatic Channels and Ongoing Dialogue
Continued Communication with U.S. Negotiators
Peskov reiterated that Moscow maintains channels of dialogue with U.S. negotiators.
Potential Visits by U.S. Envoys
Russian officials have said they hope U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Moscow when their schedules allow and that dialogue with Washington will continue.
Stalled Peace Efforts and Other Diplomatic Challenges
Efforts by the United States to broker a peace deal have largely stalled in recent months, while diplomatic attention has also been diverted by the Iran war.
Upcoming Meetings and Future Prospects
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke this week with Witkoff and Kushner about prospects for renewed talks with Russia and is due to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday.
(Reporting by ReutersEditing by Ros Russell)
