Russia Dismisses Zelensky's Open Letter: Peskov Says 'Come to Moscow'; Kremlin Refuses Neutral-Country Meeting Proposal; Ukraine War Diplomatic Track Remains Frozen

June 7, 2026 — Russia's Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov formally dismissed Ukrainian President Zelensky's June 4 open letter proposing direct face-to-face negotiations in a neutral country (Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab state). Peskov stated that 'If Zelensky wants to meet with Putin, he can come to Moscow' — framing any potential talks as a Ukrainian capitulation rather than a bilateral negotiation between equals. The Russian Foreign Ministry separately characterized the letter as 'propaganda' designed for Western audiences rather than a genuine peace overture, noting that Zelensky had simultaneously conditioned talks on a full, unconditional ceasefire — a condition Moscow has consistently rejected. Kyiv Independent's analysis characterized the Peskov response as reflecting Russia's unchanged position: Moscow refuses any ceasefire that leaves Ukrainian forces in place and refuses to recognize the post-2022 territorial situation as anything other than a fait accompli. Russia's refusal to engage with the Zelensky letter signals that the Istanbul Round 2 framework (June 2: 1,200-for-1,200 POW swap agreed; no ceasefire) remains the ceiling of Russian diplomatic engagement. US Secretary of State Rubio had already signaled reduced US urgency after Istanbul Round 2, saying Washington 'stands ready' but acknowledging no imminent breakthrough. EA WorldView's June 7 analysis noted that the front line in Ukraine remains largely frozen despite ongoing hostilities across three primary axes (Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson), with neither side achieving a decisive breakthrough. The diplomatic freeze deepens as the summer fighting season begins. A third round of Istanbul talks is theoretically possible but requires Russia to agree to the venue and an agenda — both currently absent.