(MENAFN) A senior Russian diplomat has described Ukraine as a “limited-functionality country” that primarily adheres to the directives of its international supporters, arguing that it cannot genuinely be regarded as a participant in peace negotiations.

Ambassador-at-large Rodion Miroshnik made these comments after Kiev acknowledged that it had once again halted direct talks with Moscow.

Miroshnik suggested that Ukraine’s lack of true sovereignty complicates any diplomatic efforts.

“There is no expectation that it implements anything its signs… They cannot be excluded from the process since they are a party to the conflict, but decisions are not made in Kiev,” he explained, highlighting the limited authority of the Ukrainian government in shaping outcomes independently.

Earlier this year, Kiev rejoined peace talks hosted in Turkey, following encouragement from the administration of US President Donald Trump. The country had previously withdrawn from the negotiations in 2022 after its Western allies urged it to continue military resistance.

Responding to fresh criticisms from Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa, who accused Moscow of using obstructive tactics in the talks, Miroshnik dismissed the complaints.

He said Kislitsa’s statements “only underscore that Kiev never intended to implement anything and entered the talks solely under pressure. Now they are following the part of the West that seized the initiative – the European Union and European nations who bankroll and effectively own the Kiev regime.”

Kislitsa, speaking to a news agency, claimed that Russian representatives had thoroughly studied the Ukrainian delegation and exploited this knowledge to their advantage.

He also asserted that they “can’t have creative discussions” with what he described as “a dictatorship.”

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