Russia open to Ukraine talks, cites European opposition

Russian outlets present Moscow as ready for Ukraine talks while blaming European governments, especially France, for blocking progress. They highlight Peskov’s comments that Russia awaits a new negotiation round and that a French envoy brought no encouraging messages. They also stress that Geneva and Turkish venues are options, but say Western positions limit what any talks can achieve.

• •The Kremlin says Russia is open to Ukraine negotiations and expects them to resume soon.
• •Peskov accuses European governments of not wanting talks on Ukraine at this stage.
• •Russian officials say a French envoy’s visit to Moscow did not include any positive signals on peace talks.
• •Moscow rejects a French proposal for a stronger European role in Ukraine peace negotiations.
• •Russian diplomats describe Geneva as a possible but not preferred venue for future Ukraine talks.