Moscow: The Kremlin has confirmed reports regarding an unsuccessful contact attempt between UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Yuri Ushakov, the foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the interaction but did not specify when it occurred.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov noted that the British side lacked the intention or desire to listen to Russia's perspective. He mentioned that Powell was focused on sharing the European stance, which hindered the continuation of the dialogue. Peskov further commented on the absence of a mutual exchange of opinions, which resulted in the dialogue not developing further.

The confirmation came shortly after the Financial Times reported Powell's attempt to establish a back channel with Moscow through a call with Ushakov earlier this year. The report cited sources indicating the conversation was unproductive and did not proceed well.

Powell's outreach was seen as an effort to ensure that the positions of London and other European nations on the Ukraine conflict were accurately conveyed to Russia. The report highlighted that the call took place amid concerns about the inconsistent approach of US President Donald Trump toward supporting Ukraine and worries about diverging interests between Washington and European countries.

Despite efforts at mediation by Trump, peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war have made little progress, with both parties blaming each other for the stagnation in talks.