St. petersburg: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed Moscow's hope for the resumption of talks regarding Ukraine, following a recent pause. He confirmed that communication channels with the United States remain open.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov made these remarks during an interview with Russian daily Izvestia at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had reviewed an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the letter, Zelenskyy called for direct negotiations with Putin, bypassing US negotiators who remain focused on the Iran conflict. Zelenskyy also criticized Putin, stating that Russians are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the ongoing war.

Peskov suggested that Putin might address these issues during his plenary session at the St. Petersburg forum later in the day. On US policy, Peskov described Washington's stance on the Ukraine war as both consistent and contradictory. He mentioned that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has consistently affirmed support for Ukraine, including continued weapons deliveries.

Peskov noted that despite this, Russia perceives a sincere desire from US President Donald Trump and some members of his administration to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine.