Kremlin says new Russia-US-Ukraine talks expected 'soon'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that a new round of talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine could take place soon.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, he stated that the date and location would be announced later.

"As we have said, we expect the next round to happen soon. We will also inform you about the location," Peskov said.

Commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement that he will not travel to Moscow for a meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Peskov said this position "is not new" for the Kremlin. He reiterated the invitation, noting that Moscow maintains its proposal regarding a possible meeting venue.

Russia and Ukraine held two rounds of the US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, in January and February. As a result, they agreed to the first exchange of war prisoners in five months.

Responding to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's accusation that some European politicians are "scratching at the Kremlin's doors," Peskov said Europe appears to be divided into two camps, some advocating dialogue with Russia, others still adhering to a "short-sighted approach."

He criticized those who refuse to communicate with Russia, calling their stance "completely short-sighted, irrational, and unwise."

Peskov emphasized that Putin has never refused direct contact and urged French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to "simply call" him if they wish to discuss anything.

"Neither Merz nor Macron is making attempts. No particular attempts are needed here. If there is a desire and necessity, one can simply pick up the phone and call President Putin. Putin has never refused direct contacts," he said.

Turning to the energy crisis in Cuba, Peskov said Russia is discussing assistance options with the republic, but details cannot be disclosed publicly at this time.

He added that Russia expects to resolve all issues surrounding the blockade of Cuba through constructive dialogue with the US.

"We would not want any escalation, but, on the other hand, we currently have no significant trade turnover at all; that's the thing," he said, referring to the potential imposition of US tariffs against Russia should it provide aid to Cuba.

The US has reinstated its blockade of Cuba, declaring its intention to overthrow the republic's communist government by one means or another.

Washington has imposed an embargo on fuel deliveries to the island, which was already facing acute shortages.

The US previously succeeded in halting oil supplies to Cuba from Mexico and Venezuela, and in the latter case, US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro.

Washington has also announced its intention to impose proportional import duties on goods from countries that dare to supply fuel to Cuba.

The Russian Embassy in Havana announced earlier in the day that Moscow would soon begin shipments of oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian aid.