The Kremlin announced on Friday that peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv are currently at a standstill, accusing European nations of obstructing efforts while stressing Russia’s continued willingness to engage in dialogue, according to Reuters.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists that while communication lines remain open, talks are effectively “on pause.” He underlined Russia’s readiness for peaceful negotiations but argued that “European countries are indeed creating hurdles.”

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a peaceful resolution is possible “if common sense prevails,” but cautioned that Moscow is prepared to end the conflict “through military means” if required.

During a visit to Beijing, where he finalized a new gas pipeline agreement with China, Putin expressed cautious optimism, pointing to what he described as U.S. President Donald Trump’s “genuine intent” to facilitate a settlement. He said he would be open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow—provided the discussions are thoroughly prepared and yield “real results.”

Ukraine, however, dismissed Moscow as a venue for talks, with its foreign minister labeling the proposal “unacceptable.” President Zelenskyy has instead called on Washington and European allies to step up sanctions against Russia while also pushing for direct talks with Putin.

Meanwhile, Trump has cast himself as a potential mediator, urging both sides to meet and warning Moscow of further sanctions if negotiations falter.