Putin: We Await US Negotiators in Moscow When Washington Stops Focusing on Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that the United States needs to shift its attention away from Iran before substantive negotiations on the Ukraine war can resume. Putin stated that Moscow awaits the arrival of American negotiators once the "hot phase" concerning the Iranian dossier is completed.

"We are waiting, once all the events are over, after the hot phase regarding the Iranian file is completed, for the arrival of representatives of the American government with whom we have already met in Moscow," Putin said in an interview with a Russian journalist, as published by the Kremlin. This statement came in response to a question about Russian-American relations following the G7 summit in France.

Putin had previously assessed in early June that the U.S. focus had been diverted from the Ukraine war due to the "American-Israeli attack against Iran," suggesting this event was delaying the resumption of talks. He reassured that Russia is prepared to continue negotiations and discuss all details, emphasizing Moscow's willingness for dialogue.

During the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that "Russia should strike a deal" with Ukraine to end the conflict that began in February 2022. His stance was interpreted in some capitals as a sudden shift in favor of Kyiv. However, Trump also warned that if progress is not made, Washington could reimpose previously suspended sanctions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented that the Trump administration appears to have "abandoned all pretense of playing the role of an impartial mediator" and has chosen to "escalate pressure and sanctions on Russia."