Russia-Ukraine talks suspended: Kremlin

Communications between the negotiating teams of Russia and Ukraine have been suspended for the time being, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

At a press conference in Moscow on Friday, he said, "Although the communication channels established for the talks are operational, they are not being used at the moment. The channels exist, they are working. Our negotiators have the opportunity to use them. However, it would be correct to say now that the talks are on hold."

The two countries reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners and the return of the bodies of killed soldiers in three rounds of talks in Istanbul, Turkey, since last May. The latest meeting also discussed proposals for civilians, a joint working group and a humanitarian ceasefire.

Peskov said that Russia is always ready to hold talks. However, Europe is obstructing this process. Russia's desire for peaceful dialogue continues. But the Europeans are disrupting it - it is no secret.

He warned that immediate results should not be expected from the talks. In this context, he mentioned US President Donald Trump, saying that Trump also initially hoped for a quick solution but later changed his position.

Regarding Europe's reaction to the joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus, Peskov said that these reactions were "emotional". He claimed that previously neighboring countries had the opportunity to observe, but now it is not possible due to the "hostile position" of Western Europe.

He also said that Russia has never threatened any European country, but NATO is constantly moving towards our borders. Europe is creating a confrontational situation instead of peace and stability by becoming part of NATO.