Moscow Seeks ‘Clarifications’ After Kyiv Hints at Willingness to Hold Talks

The Kremlin is seeking “clarifications” after Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, suggested that Kyiv was ready to consider entering talks with Russia. “Russia is open for a negotiation process,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on July 25. “But first, we need to understand how prepared [for talks] Ukraine is and whether it has permission for that from its handlers,” Mr. Peskov said, in a possible reference to Kyiv’s Western allies. “Contradictory statements are being made, and things are not quite clear.” On July 24, Mr. Kuleba appeared to signal Kyiv’s willingness—under certain conditions—to negotiate with Moscow. Speaking in Beijing, Mr. Kuleba said Kyiv was “ready to engage the Russian side in the negotiation process at a certain stage when Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith,” according to a readout released by Ukraine’s foreign ministry....