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Russia

Kremlin says European negotiators have not yet contacted Moscow as Ukraine diplomacy continues

2026-11-15

Illustrative empty council chamber with desks and microphones, not a specific diplomatic meeting.

The Kremlin says the negotiating representatives being assembled by Europe have not yet contacted Russia. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov gave that account on 15 November when asked whether contact had been made. His reply describes Moscow's position at that point, rather than establishing that a new negotiating session has been agreed.

The European group has been reported as including representatives of the European Commission and European Council, together with Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. The UK is not an EU member. The reported composition and Peskov's answer concern separate steps: choosing representatives does not itself mean they have opened talks with Russia.

Separately on 15 November, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia was discussing the Ukraine question with the United States on the basis of what he called real facts, including the battlefield situation and Russia's claims about treatment of the Russian language, culture and Orthodox religion. Those are his stated arguments. Russian, US and Ukrainian delegations met in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November. Russian delegation leader Vladimir Medinsky said European security architecture was central to the talks and reported agreement on a further large prisoner exchange, with its specific terms to be announced.

Lavrov also criticized the positions expressed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas, arguing that a settlement must take Russian interests into account. That is the Russian minister's negotiating position, not a jointly accepted description of the dispute or an agreed peace settlement.

The immediate distinction is between ongoing diplomatic activity and a completed agreement. Peskov's statement does not confirm European participation in the next round, while Lavrov's comments do not establish that the outstanding political issues have been resolved. Announced contacts, an agreed agenda and implementation would each need separate confirmation.

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