Tensions grow between Moscow-Kiev: dialogues with US but mutual accusations over attacks and ceasefire

While Peskov talks about constructive dialogue between Russia and the U.S. to end the war in Ukraine, new accusations mount between Moscow and Kiev over attacks on infrastructure and civilians. Zelensky calls for more sanctions against Moscow

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that talks between Russia and the United States, held Monday in Riyadh, are progressing in a “constructive and effective” manner to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine. “We are continuing our contacts with the American side intensively,” Peskov confirmed, alluding to a possible ceasefire.

However, as negotiations continue, Moscow has blamed Kiev for a series of attacks, including the death of Anna Prokofieva, a Russian journalist killed in the Belgorod region by a mine allegedly planted by Ukrainian forces. Peskov expressed his condolences to the journalist’s family and called for unconditional compliance with the moratorium on air raids against Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure. “Ukrainian attacks are well known and documented,” he said, noting Kiev’s unwillingness to comply with negotiations.

From the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky instead pointed the finger at Moscow, accusing Russia of launching large-scale attacks despite peace talks. Overnight, “117 Shahed drones” supplied by Tehran to Moscow struck several Ukrainian regions, including Dnipro, Sumy, Cherkasy, and Kryvyi Rih. Zelensky called these attacks “proof that Russia does not really want peace.”

Zelensky also called for more sanctions from the United States and reminded that, as of March 11, there is a U.S. proposal for a total ceasefire. “Every night, Russia answers ‘no’ to this proposal with its continuous attacks,” the Ukrainian president said, before leaving for Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Pending further developments, the conflict appears to continue with no immediate solution in sight, despite attempts at international mediation.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)