Russian lawmaker accuses Ukraine of halting peace talks for enrichment and ambition

Moscow – Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma’s Committee on International Affairs, claimed that Ukraine has halted peace negotiations with Russia not to seek a resolution, but for war, ambition, and enrichment.

Commenting on Kyiv’s announcement to suspend talks, Slutsky told Gazeta.Ru that Ukraine “confirmed its regime’s unwillingness to seriously pursue peace.” He referred to the proposed Istanbul-2 round, which included working groups on humanitarian, military, and political issues, as evidence that Kyiv had sabotaged the process.

Slutsky further suggested that U.S. officials should take note, arguing that President Zelensky is “seeking the formula for war, not peace,” motivated not only by ambition but also by criminal enrichment. He cited the ongoing corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector as proof, involving Timur Mindich, allegedly linked to Zelensky, and kickbacks of 10–15% from Enerhoatom contracts.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia confirmed on 12 November that Ukraine officially suspended negotiations with Russia until the end of 2025, calling previous rounds “fruitless.”

Prisoner and body exchanges are expected to continue despite Kyiv’s suspension of peace talks, according to lawmaker Saraliyev.