The Kremlin responded cautiously on Tuesday to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s apparent invitation to a future peace summit, indicating that Russia needs clarification on Kyiv’s intentions before committing to talks.
In an interview with Zvezda television channel, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked, “The first peace summit was not a peace summit at all.
So perhaps it is necessary first to understand what he means,” in response to Zelensky’s recent statements.
Zelensky’s openness to Russia’s participation represents a shift from his previous stance ahead of the summit in Switzerland, where he had ruled out inviting Moscow categorically.
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks come amid ongoing military setbacks for Ukraine on the front lines and amidst the backdrop of upcoming US presidential elections, which could alter the dynamics of the conflict.
Last month’s summit in Switzerland, attended by leaders and officials from over 90 countries, aimed to address Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, but drew criticism from the Kremlin for excluding Russia.
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The United States expressed support for Ukraine’s initiative to include Russia in a second summit, while voicing skepticism about Moscow’s readiness for genuine diplomacy.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, “When they want to invite Russia to that summit, of course, that is something we support.
We’ve always supported diplomacy when Ukraine is ready, but it has never been clear that the Kremlin is ready for actual diplomacy.”
Prior to the Switzerland summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed willingness to engage in talks and proposed a ceasefire conditional on Kyiv ceding territory Moscow claims.
Zelensky condemned Putin’s conditions as a territorial ultimatum akin to those by Adolf Hitler, drawing strong rebuke from Ukraine’s Western allies, including the United States.
However, there are concerns in Kyiv about the potential impact of a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming US elections, with fears that his administration might alter American support for Ukraine.
Zelensky remained optimistic about US support, stating he was “not worried” about a Trump victory and relied on continued backing from the United States, Ukraine’s primary financial and military supporter.
AFP
