Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine’s refusal to continue negotiations is regrettable. During the daily press briefing on Thursday, he told reporters that Kyiv’s announcement of halting negotiations is a formal confirmation of its unwillingness to continue the dialogue. “Given the lack of an opportunity to continue negotiations, we will certainly proceed with the special military operation,” he added.

He asserted that Ukraine will be forced to return to the negotiating table sooner or later, but from a weaker position.

Disagreeing with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement on Russia not wanting peace, Peskov said Russia remained open to a political and diplomatic settlement and wanted peace. (Agencies)