U.S. mediation on hold in Ukraine crisis, but contacts continue: Peskov

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that U.S. mediation efforts in the Ukraine crisis are currently paused, though Washington remains in contact with both Moscow and Kiev.

Responding to a question regarding U.S. mediation at a news briefing, Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump may hold phone talks as needed. At present, no new call has been arranged between the two sides.

Peskov added that the mediation process for Ukraine is currently on hold, but U.S. mediators are still maintaining contact with Russia and Ukraine via existing channels. The spokesman noted that no firm date has been set for U.S. mediators to visit Moscow yet, but the Kremlin is happy to welcome them at any time.

Peskov also said that EU countries are far from ready to act as mediators, accusing Europe of being more inclined to continue the war than to push for peace.

"Launching mediation by imposing preconditions on Russia is illogical, misguided, and, of course, unacceptable to us," he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday said that he held positive talks with U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, thanking Washington for its willingness to work actively in the coming weeks.

Zelensky said that he also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron to brief him on the discussions and coordinate next steps. He noted that he and the U.S. envoys discussed the possibility of holding talks on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 summit in France.

Later on Tuesday, Zelensky said that Ukraine will consult with European partners on the timing of negotiations and choice of negotiators for potential talks with Russia. He described June and July as crucial for the conflict and Ukraine will take concrete diplomatic actions.

In a related development, Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said on Tuesday that Bulgaria will stop military aid to Ukraine, arguing the conflict cannot be solved on the battlefield and that talks are needed.

Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out on February 24, 2022, Bulgaria has sent 13 batches of weaponry to Ukraine, but policy has shifted under the new government.

Chang Jung-kung, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) Party, will attend the conference of the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen City, east China's Fujian Province, on June 13, said Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

"The 18th Straits Forum will be held in Xiamen on June 13. Representatives from various sectors in Taiwan, including KMT Party Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung, will attend the event. Preparations for the forum have been largely completed so far," she said.

"This year's forum continues to focus on serving grassroots-level communities and young people, ensuring that the fruits of cross-Strait integration and development benefit more people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We warmly welcome compatriots from all walks of life in Taiwan to cross the Strait and gather together with us to jointly strengthen bonds, share opportunities, pursue development and build a shared future," Zhang said.