Ankara: US President Donald Trump's special presidential envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, on Monday rejected Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's claims that the US is stalling peace negotiations, urging an "immediate ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine. Kellogg described Peskov's recent comments on negotiations as "Orwellian" and dismissed Russian assertions as "unfounded."

According to Anadolu Agency, Kellogg's remarks on X were in response to Peskov's Sunday statement, where he said that the progress of peace talks depends on the efforts of Kyiv and Washington. The envoy emphasized that Trump has remained "consistent and adamant about making progress to end the war."

Kellogg stated, "We urge an immediate ceasefire and a move to trilateral talks to end the war." He further added that Russia cannot delay negotiations while simultaneously attacking Ukraine.

Peskov, speaking on Belarus 1 TV, claimed, "A great deal depends, naturally, on the position of the Kyiv regime. It depends on how effectively Washington's mediation efforts will continue." He noted that Russia's position on the matter is "well known" and stressed that the situation on the ground cannot be ignored and must be taken into account.

Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak also criticized Peskov's statements as "manipulation," arguing that Russia remains "unprepared" for peace.

The second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks was hosted by the Turkish metropolis Istanbul on June 2, following the first round on May 16.