**Russia Shifts Blame for Stalled Peace Talks**
The Kremlin has accused Ukraine and the United States of being responsible for the lack of progress in peace talks, despite months of diplomatic efforts. In a televised interview, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the pace of negotiations depends on Ukraine’s position, the effectiveness of U.S. mediation, and battlefield developments.
Peskov’s comments come as the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its fourth summer with no comprehensive ceasefire in sight. The two sides have held two rounds of face-to-face talks in Istanbul this year, but the meetings resulted in significant prisoner exchanges without any significant steps toward a ceasefire.
**Russia Rejects Ceasefire Agreement**
Ukraine’s delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, has demanded an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, a position supported by Western partners. However, Russia insists on a 2-3-day limited truce to recover the bodies of fallen soldiers. “Russia rejects even the very idea of stopping the killings,” Umerov said after the talks.
Despite the deadlock, Russia says it is open to a third round of negotiations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed Ankara’s willingness to host another meeting, and efforts are underway to arrange a direct meeting between Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky, possibly with U.S. President Donald Trump joining the talks.
**Escalating Violence**
Meanwhile, Russia’s forces continue to advance in Ukraine’s southeast, gaining territory in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, and intensifying missile and drone strikes on civilians. The Kremlin’s statement that the pace of negotiations depends on battlefield developments is a clear indication that they are using military pressure to influence the outcome of talks.
**International Pressure**
The international community has been critical of Russia’s stance on peace talks. Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar called for respect for international law, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe said that most of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium likely remains buried under rubble at the Isfahan and Fordo nuclear sites.
**Analysis**
The Kremlin’s shift in blame is a clear attempt to deflect responsibility for the stalled peace talks. By blaming Ukraine and the United States, Russia is trying to maintain its position as a victim rather than an aggressor. However, this strategy is unlikely to succeed, as the international community continues to pressure Russia to engage in genuine negotiations.
The fact that Russia is still refusing to accept a ceasefire agreement suggests that they are more interested in advancing their military goals than finding a peaceful solution. The escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine will only serve to further isolate Russia on the world stage.
**What’s Next?**
No date has been set for the next round of talks, but it is clear that the international community will continue to pressure Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations. The fate of peace talks remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the people of Ukraine deserve a ceasefire and an end to this brutal war.
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