Fresh Round of Russia-US-Ukraine Peace Talks Imminent
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, addressed reporters during a Moscow press conference, confirming the diplomatic developments. "As we have said, we expect the next round to happen soon. We will also inform you about the location," Peskov said.
The announcement follows two previous negotiation sessions held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital, throughout January and February. Both rounds were facilitated by Washington and yielded the first prisoner exchange between the warring nations in five months.
When pressed about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent declaration refusing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Peskov dismissed the stance as familiar territory. He characterized the position "is not new" to the Kremlin, while reaffirming that Russia's invitation for a potential summit remains open.
Peskov also responded to sharp criticism from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who accused certain European leaders of "scratching at the Kremlin's doors," suggesting the continent has fractured into opposing factions—some pursuing diplomatic engagement with Moscow, others maintaining what he termed a "short-sighted approach."
The spokesman launched a pointed rebuke at nations avoiding dialogue with Russia, branding their position "completely short-sighted, irrational, and unwise."
He specifically challenged French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to initiate direct communication with Putin, emphasizing the Russian leader's consistent openness to dialogue. "Neither Merz nor Macron is making attempts. No particular attempts are needed here. If there is a desire and necessity, one can simply pick up the phone and call President Putin. Putin has never refused direct contacts," he said.
On the Cuba energy emergency, Peskov confirmed Moscow is evaluating humanitarian relief options for the republic but declined to provide specifics. He expressed optimism that tensions surrounding the Cuban blockade could be defused through productive US-Russia negotiations.
"We would not want any escalation, but, on the other hand, we currently have no significant trade turnover at all; that's the thing," he said, addressing potential American tariff threats against nations delivering aid to Havana.
Washington has reimposed comprehensive sanctions on Cuba, openly pursuing regime change against the communist government through economic pressure. The US embargo now targets fuel shipments to the island nation, which faces critical shortages after Washington successfully blocked oil deliveries from Mexico and Venezuela—the latter culminating in US forces detaining President Nicolas Maduro.
American authorities have also threatened reciprocal tariffs against any country providing petroleum to Cuba.
Earlier Thursday, the Russian Embassy in Havana announced Moscow would begin delivering oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian assistance.
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