Russia: Ukraine And European Allies Damage Peace Talks

JAKARTA - Russia's Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine, backed by several European countries, of taking "provocative measures" aimed at thwarting direct peace negotiations initiated by Moscow with Kyiv.

The first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years took place on May 16, but failed to produce a ceasefire agreement.

"On the initiative of the Russian Federation, Russia-Ukraine direct dialogue on resolving the conflict peacefully in Ukraine has resumed," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"At the same time, the Kyiv regime, backed by a number of European countries, has taken a number of provocative steps aimed at disrupting the negotiation process," the statement continued.

According to the Russian Ministry, since May 20, Ukraine has significantly stepped up drone and missile attacks in Russian territory, using Western-backed ammunition and targeting civilian areas.

Between May 20 evening and May 27 morning, Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian unmanned aircraft, including 1,465 outside the live conflict zone.

Ukraine has also reported a sharp increase in Russian attacks on its territory, including a series of attacks that broke records on Sunday night.

The upgrade prompted US President Donald Trump to comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been "absolutely insane," while threatening new sanctions.

Russia's defense ministry on Tuesday said its attacks were retaliatory, on target, and aimed only at military facilities and companies inside Ukraine's military industrial complex.