The Kremlin on Thursday dismissed reports that peace talks with Ukraine would soon take place at the Vatican, saying no such agreement had been made despite recent speculation.
US media, including The Wall Street Journal, reported that follow-up negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials could begin in mid-June in Vatican City, following the first face-to-face talks in over three years held last week in Istanbul. Those initial discussions ended without a ceasefire agreement.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “There have been no agreements on this matter,” firmly denying the reports. He also rejected Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s claim that “technical talks” might take place at the Vatican as early as next week, reiterating that “no specific agreements for the next meetings” have been reached.
The United States has also been involved in diplomatic efforts, with President Joe Biden recently speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite these initiatives, Moscow has not offered any concessions, and President Vladimir Putin continues to reject proposals from Kyiv and its Western allies for a 30-day truce. Instead, he has suggested working on a vague “memorandum” outlining Russia’s positions.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and continues to occupy roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, with little sign of a breakthrough in peace negotiations.
