U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg has firmly rejected the Russian government’s assertion that Ukraine and the United States are responsible for delaying peace talks, calling the claim ‘Orwellian’ and unfounded. In a statement released on June 30, Kellogg pointed out that it is Moscow that continues to obstruct efforts to end the war it has initiated. He criticized Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, stating that the Kremlin cannot continue to stall for time while bombing Ukrainian cities. Kellogg’s remarks were issued in response to comments made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who had previously accused Washington and Kyiv of holding back progress on peace negotiations.
Peskov’s remarks were issued on June 29, during an interview with Belarus 1 TV, where he stated that future developments in peace talks depend on Ukraine’s position, the effectiveness of U.S. mediation, and the situation on the battlefield. Despite these comments, Russia has rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal and continued its attacks on Ukrainian cities, launching record numbers of drones against Ukrainian targets. Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin openly declared that ‘all of Ukraine is ours’, raising further doubts about the Kremlin’s willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. These comments have intensified concerns about the ongoing conflict and the viability of peace talks.
The war has now entered its fourth summer with no comprehensive ceasefire in place. Two rounds of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul this year, on May 16 and June 2, but these discussions have not led to any breakthroughs in ending hostilities. While the Istanbul meetings resulted in notable prisoner exchanges, they have produced no tangible progress toward peace. The current situation highlights the lack of progress in negotiations and the persistent attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities, which have intensified further in recent months. In June alone, Russia launched a record 5,337 drones against Ukraine, according to data from the Ukrainian Air Force and Dragon Capital, surpassing the previous monthly record of 4,198 set in March. These attacks have become a regular feature of the war, with the intensity of Russia’s bombardments increasing dramatically in May. The ongoing conflict and the lack of a ceasefire continue to raise questions about the possibility of a lasting peace and the willingness of Russia to engage in meaningful dialogue with Ukraine.