The dynamics of the progress of Russian-Ukrainian talks leave much to be desired, the Ukrainian side frequently changes its stance on the agreed upon issues, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.

“The special military operation continues. [Russian] President [Vladimir Putin] very recently said that it was proceeding as planned. Simultaneously, contacts are underway at an expert level within the framework of the negotiation process,” he said. “I would also like to reiterate to you the president’s words that, unfortunately, the Ukrainian side is not displaying particular consistency. The stance is changing frequently on the coordinated issues. The progress dynamics in the negotiation process leave much to be desired,” the Kremlin official added.

In response to a request to comment on a statement by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky that Kiev will be ready to discuss the status of Crimea and his country’s refusal to join NATO if Moscow withdraws troops from Ukrainian territory, Putin’s press secretary noted that Russia “is still not ready to bring to the public sphere those aspects that are being discussed during the talks.”

The Russian-Ukrainian talks have been underway since February 28, the Russian delegation is led by Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky. Several meetings took place in Belarus, then the sides continued communicating in a video format. On March 29, a face-to-face round of talks was held in Istanbul. Last Tuesday, the Russian leader told journalists that by moving away from the agreements reached in Istanbul, Kiev steered this process into a dead-end.

Source: Agencies