Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump that an immediate resumption of peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States had been undermined by Ukrainian drone attacks, according to the Kremlin.
The remarks came during a telephone call on Friday, 9 October, as US, Ukrainian, and European representatives held separate discussions in Miami about ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.
What the Kremlin said
According to Reuters, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin blamed attacks during Russia’s parliamentary elections in September for disrupting the prospect of promptly restarting negotiations.
Ushakov said Moscow would now consider when those talks could resume. His account did not announce a new date.
The allegation that Ukrainian attacks prevented negotiations is the Kremlin’s position. It does not establish that Ukraine alone is responsible for the diplomatic impasse. (m.economictimes.com)
Separate discussions in Miami
Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff said American, Ukrainian, and European officials had held discussions in Miami on possible steps towards ending the conflict.
According to AFP, participants included representatives from Britain, France and Germany, the European Commission, Ukraine and NATO.
Witkoff said the discussions covered preparations for winter, energy supplies, grain exports, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
These were discussions between Ukraine and its partners. They were separate from the proposed three-way negotiations involving Russia.
Witkoff described the exchanges as constructive but did not announce a peace agreement or an agreed ceasefire. (afp.com)
Fuel agreement adds another issue
The diplomatic efforts coincided with Trump’s announcement that Russia would supply diesel to US and global markets. The US Treasury said it was issuing a temporary licence permitting Russian diesel exports.
That fuel arrangement does not amount to a settlement of the war. The central questions of territory and Ukraine’s future security remain unresolved.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moscow continues to demand territory that Ukraine still controls, while Kyiv has rejected surrendering those areas. (afp.com)
