Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Kremlin has expressed frustration over what it perceives as Europe’s unwillingness to pursue constructive dialogue on continental security, reported by The Nation News web.
“There are absolutely no signals of any desire to seek common ground,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday, adding that Europe remains focused on “militaristic bravado” rather than diplomacy.
Peskov’s comments were in part a response to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who recently advocated for a long-term strategic agreement between Europe and Russia. Orbán’s remarks, made during an interview with French broadcaster LCI, were among the few recent European voices calling for a recalibration of ties with Moscow.
Despite the European impasse, Peskov emphasized that Russia remains in continuous contact with Washington. He noted that President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, a likely contender in the upcoming U.S. election, maintain direct communication when necessary. “This helps us understand each other’s positions and move forward,” he said.
His remarks also followed a Foreign Policy analysis speculating that Trump could withdraw U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine peace process, potentially halting arms shipments and blaming both Kyiv and Moscow for stalling negotiations.
On the humanitarian front, Peskov confirmed a lack of final agreement between Russia and Ukraine regarding a proposed prisoner exchange and the return of soldiers’ bodies. Despite this, both sides verified that the first round of exchanges had occurred following talks in Istanbul, where they pledged to prioritize severely wounded and younger prisoners. Trucks with remains reportedly remain stationed at the border, awaiting further coordination.
The second round of Istanbul-mediated talks, held June 2, followed the initial May 16 session, offering a rare glimmer of cooperation amid a grinding conflict.
