Does Russia Plan to Stall Negotiations on Ukraine?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Russia is not postponing negotiations on Ukraine.
- Political and diplomatic methods are prioritized.
- Past talks resulted in significant agreements.
- Future discussions are anticipated in Istanbul.
- Challenges remain in the implementation of these agreements.
Moscow, July 1 (NationPress) Russia has no desire to postpone discussions regarding Ukraine and strives to fulfill its objectives through political and diplomatic avenues, stated Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday.
Peskov noted that implementing the agreements established during the initial two rounds of direct discussions with Ukraine, which include prisoner swaps and the repatriation of deceased soldiers, requires time.
He emphasized, "Objectively, it is challenging to discuss the potential for any significant acceleration," adding that no one is hindering or delaying the efforts to realize these agreements, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Peskov's remarks followed comments from US Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who stated on Monday that "Russia cannot keep delaying while it bombards civilian sites in Ukraine."
Russia and Ukraine conducted two rounds of direct negotiations on May 16 and June 2 in Istanbul, Turkey. In the second round, they consented to an "all-for-all" exchange of seriously ill and wounded prisoners, as well as soldiers under 25 years old, along with the transfer of deceased soldiers' bodies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned last week that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to embark on a third round of discussions once the exchanges are completed.
This statement came after the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting in Minsk on Friday.
Putin informed reporters that Russia is prepared for a new round of negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, emphasizing that the time and location for the third round need to be mutually agreed upon.
He added that the draft memoranda between Russia and Ukraine concerning the settlement ought to be the focus of discussions during the upcoming third round of negotiations.