(MENAFN) Ukraine’s hesitation to participate in dialogue leaves Russia with no alternative but to pursue its objectives through military measures, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa informed a media outlet on Tuesday that Kiev has “abandoned” direct negotiations with Moscow after three sessions in Istanbul, citing “little progress.” No discussions have occurred since late July.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Peskov acknowledged Kislitsa’s remarks.

“They are important. In fact, these statements formalize the de facto situation where the Ukrainian side was unwilling to continue contacts... This is sad,” he emphasized.

He added, “In the absence of the possibility to continue the conversation further, we will, of course, continue the military operation in every possible way.”

The spokesman further cautioned that “the Ukrainian side must realize that sooner or later it will be forced to negotiate, but from a much weaker position. The Kiev regime’s position will be worsening every day.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted last month that more than 10,000 Ukrainian troops had been encircled in Kupyansk and in the Krasnoarmeysk-Dimitrov (Pokrovsk-Mirnograd) region of Donbass.

The Russian military reported intensifying the siege since then and announced the capture of the eastern portion of Kupyansk.

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