The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of dragging out peace negotiations while simultaneously rejecting all countries proposed by Kyiv for a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Russian news agencies Interfax and TASS reported.
Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov claimed Ukraine has adopted a "passive position" in negotiations.
"The Kyiv regime is now absolutely in a passive position. Judging by everything, they are trying to demonstrate to their sponsors in Europe and their curators that they can fight, but they should not forget that with each passing day when the Ukrainian side refuses negotiations, the negotiating positions of the Ukrainian side will only deteriorate," Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesperson added that front-line dynamics "eloquently testify" to this alleged deterioration, though he provided no specifics about what constitutes Ukraine's supposed refusal to negotiate.
Peskov dismissed multiple venue options suggested by Ukraine, specifically targeting countries traditionally considered neutral.
The press secretary expressed surprise at Zelenskyy's refusal to travel to Moscow for talks. "Why not come? If you're open to dialogue, why don't you come?" Peskov said.
President Zelenskyy has repeatedly said his readiness to meet with Putin anywhere except Russia. "If Europe or Saudi Arabia doesn't suit him, it can be any other country, for example Kazakhstan," Zelenskyy said previously.
The diplomatic standoff began when Putin invited Zelenskyy to Moscow through American intermediaries. Zelenskyy interpreted this as a delaying tactic, saying: "When you want there to be no meeting, you need to invite me to Moscow."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha had earlier called Putin's Moscow meeting proposal "unacceptable." Putin subsequently indicated he would not travel elsewhere for negotiations but remained ready to meet in Moscow.
