Ukraine sharply dismisses Russia’s statements on readiness for negotiations: Kyiv’s firm stance
Kyiv has decisively rejected all of Russia’s claims about being ready to engage in peace talks, emphasizing that Moscow is attempting to hide its low-level delegation, which lacks the authority to resolve peace issues.
According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Moscow allegedly seeks to continue consultations within the Istanbul format.
However, this statement was met with rejection from Kyiv.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhy, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), pointed out that previous negotiations between Kyiv’s and Moscow’s technical teams were fruitless, as those involved had no real authority—they merely reiterated old ultimatums and could not resolve the conflict.
Tykhy added that the only realistic chance for genuine negotiations is for the Kremlin to cease its war policies.
Until Russia’s leadership demonstrates the willingness for peace, dialogue remains impossible.
He emphasized that once the Russian leadership is ready for peace, negotiations could resume.
He also addressed Galuzin directly, urging him to tell his boss to end the war.
Additionally, Ukrainian diplomat Serhiy Kyslytsia, deputy foreign minister and head of Ukraine’s negotiation team, stated that the format of technical talks with Moscow has been exhausted, as Russia has never delegated genuine authority to its negotiators and has only issued ultimatums, making further dialogue pointless unless the Kremlin changes its approach and assumes responsibility for peace.