Kremlin spokesman reaffirms Russia's readiness to engage in 3rd round of direct peace talks with Ukraine, says it is ‘obvious Kyiv is in no hurry'
The Kremlin on Monday said that it is “important” for Russia that US special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg continues mediation efforts between Moscow and Kyiv during his visit to the Ukrainian capital.
“It is very important for us that Mr. Kellogg, as a representative of the team of (US President Donald) Trump, continues his efforts to provide mediation services within the framework of the Russian-Ukrainian settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a press briefing.
Expressing that Russia has no expectations from Kellogg's visit to Ukraine, Peskov reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to engage in a third round of direct negotiations with Kyiv.
“It is obvious that Kyiv is in no hurry. We are still waiting for proposals (from Ukraine) on the timing,” he further said.
Reacting to Trump's announcement Sunday that Washington will send an unspecified number of Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, the spokesman added that Moscow proceeds from the fact that US military supplies to Ukraine “have continued and continue.”
Earlier Monday, Kellogg arrived in Ukraine's capital on a week-long visit, where he was welcomed by Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office.
Yermak said on Telegram that there are "many topics for discussion," noting that topics on the agenda include defense, as well as "strengthening security, weapons, sanctions, protecting our people, strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the United States."
The first two rounds of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine — the first in over three years — were held in May and June, respectively, in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul.
