Kremlin says new round of Ukraine expert talks not yet scheduled

The Kremlin has announced that specific dates for a new round of expert talks on Ukraine have not yet been set, but it expects them to be scheduled in the near future. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the statement during a briefing in Moscow on Tuesday, indicating diplomatic efforts to address the conflict continue behind the scenes.

Confirmation of contacts with France

Peskov confirmed that recent contacts have taken place between Russian and French officials, following French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement earlier this month that Paris had re-established technical communication channels with Moscow. Peskov stated that such contacts could facilitate rapid high-level dialogue if there is mutual political will, though he noted Moscow has not yet seen clear indications of such desire from Paris.

Positive reception of Macron's stance

The Kremlin spokesman said Russia views President Macron's statements on the necessity of restoring relations positively. "We are impressed by such statements. We have long said that reducing our relations to a zero state is illogical, counterproductive, and harmful to all parties," Peskov remarked. He emphasized Moscow's long-standing position that maintaining dialogue is essential for resolving complex international issues, arguing that confrontation alone cannot solve problems.

Call for broader European engagement

Peskov pointed out that other European states currently in confrontation with Russia have not yet followed France's lead in restoring official contacts. This comment underscores a perceived diplomatic isolation within Europe regarding engagement with Moscow. The Kremlin's statements reflect a strategic effort to encourage a broader European shift toward dialogue, positioning Russia as willing to talk while casting the continuation of confrontation as a choice made by Western capitals.