Kremlin says Europe focused on war while Russia awaits peace initiative

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov noted that the US continues to work with both European partners and Ukraine in this regard.

“Of course, we would like to see a shift toward peace-oriented efforts from both Europe and Ukraine,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, what we currently observe is a continued emphasis from Europe on prolonging the conflict.”

Commenting on the visit of a Ukrainian delegation to Paris, Peskov said it will likely involve discussions with representatives from the US and the so-called Coalition of the Willing on various aspects of a potential settlement.

“Clearly, there will be conversations surrounding the Ukrainian settlement,” he added while responding to a question from the press.

Earlier, the US announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steven Witkoff would be in Paris on April 17–18 for talks with their European counterparts on Ukraine’s future.

The Coalition of the Willing previously convened in Paris on March 27, bringing together representatives from around 30 countries to discuss potential security guarantees for Kyiv following the end of the conflict.

Among the topics reportedly discussed was the possible deployment of a multinational military contingent on Ukrainian territory. 

The US did not participate in the meeting in which several countries reportedly expressed willingness to engage in a peacekeeping mission only if Washington offers its backing.

Peskov also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently held a “lengthy conversation” with Steven Witkoff in St. Petersburg on April 11. The contents of this discussion, he noted, were conveyed to US President Donald Trump.

“We had a very lengthy conversation with Mr. Witkoff recently, and we know that the contents of this conversation were reported to President Trump,” the spokesman said.

He clarified that the possibility of a future meeting between Putin and Trump was not raised during the exchange.