Russia and Ukraine offered contrasting reactions after U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for delaying peace talks.
On the 15th (local time), according to Russia's state-run Tass news agency, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, asked at a briefing whether he agreed with President Trump, said, "I agree. In fact, that is the case."
In a Reuters interview released the previous day, President Trump, asked why the Ukraine situation still has not been resolved, answered, "Zelensky." He said Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate, but Ukraine is less prepared.
Spokesperson Peskov said, "President Putin and the Russian side remain open (to dialogue)," adding, "Russia's position is well known to U.S. negotiators, to President Trump, and to the leadership of the Kyiv regime (Ukraine)."
He added, "The situation of the Kyiv regime is worsening by the day," and "the avenues through which they can make decisions are narrowing."
On the possibility that Steve Witkoff, President Trump's special envoy, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner could visit Russia to discuss a negotiation proposal, he said, "We hope the visit will take place as soon as a date is agreed," emphasizing the importance of dialogue between Russia and the United States.
Zelensky responded the same day on X (formerly Twitter), posting, "Ukraine was not and will not be an obstacle to peace," to lodge a protest.
Zelensky said, "Russia's airstrikes targeted our people and destroyed the energy system," adding, "when Ukrainians are left for 20 to 30 hours without electricity, the side that should be pressured is Russia."
Ukraine is currently experiencing disruptions to electricity and heating supplies due to Russian drone and missile attacks targeting energy facilities since last week.
In a video of remarks posted with the message, Zelensky said the strikes used Russian missiles and "Shahed drones" (suicide drones). He said this is "clear evidence that what Russia seeks is not an agreement."