Peace talks and a settlement in Ukraine have never been on the real agenda of the West, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday, in her first comments on negotiations since Russian and Ukrainian officials held talks on Wednesday.

The warring sides remain far apart after the third round of U.S.-brokered peace negotiations on Wednesday. But there was progress on humanitarian issues.

Ukraine, Russia hold third round of peace talks in Istanbul * Ukrainian drones reportedly target key logistics hub in southwestern Russia * Russia suffered 80,000 casualties during Kursk incursion, Ukraine's military chief says * 'He sees Trump as emotional and susceptible to influence' — Putin not worried about 50-day ceasefire deadline,