The Kremlin has denied accusations by U.S. officials that it is deliberately stalling peace talks with Ukraine, insisting it remains committed to reaching a political solution through diplomatic channels.

U.S.–Russia Tensions Flare Over Peace Process

Speaking Monday, Keith Kellogg — U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine — accused Moscow of dragging its feet in negotiations while continuing military strikes on Ukrainian cities. “Russia cannot continue to stall for time while it bombs civilian targets in Ukraine,” Kellogg said, drawing sharp reactions from the Kremlin.

In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the accusation as “unfounded,” stating that “no one is delaying anything here.” He added, “We are naturally in favor of achieving the goals that we are trying to achieve through the special military operation via political and diplomatic means.”

Moscow Defends Its Position, Blames Delays on Logistics

Peskov stressed that Moscow had fulfilled all agreements reached so far and that the next round of negotiations — the third — was still being coordinated between the parties. “The dates of the third round of talks still need to be agreed,” he said.

Moscow maintains it has acted in good faith and says it welcomes U.S. facilitation of the talks. However, Russian airstrikes and Ukrainian counteroffensives continue, complicating the diplomatic environment.

Background: War, Diplomacy, and Escalation Risks

While both sides have participated in two prior negotiation rounds — with the second resulting in limited humanitarian corridors — the battlefield remains volatile. Ukraine continues to receive military and financial backing from Western allies, while Russia intensifies its operations in eastern Ukraine.

The third round, originally expected in June, has been delayed amid renewed clashes and strategic stalemates. The Kremlin’s denial comes as pressure mounts from global actors to halt the conflict, now in its third year.