WorldKremlin downplays hopes for Ukraine peace talks after Lavrov-Rubio meeting

The Kremlin is expressing scepticism about renewed peace talks on Ukraine after the meeting between Sergey Lavrov and Marco Rubio. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is too early to describe the contacts as creating fresh diplomatic momentum. No date has been set for a visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks are taking place as the EU imposes its 21st sanctions package, targeting banks, cryptocurrency firms and oil traders while capping Russian oil prices at $44 a barrel.