Russia has firmly denied reports suggesting that Ukraine's recent attack on the Kursk region has disrupted indirect negotiations aimed at halting strikes on energy infrastructure.

The Washington Post indicated that Ukraine and Russia were set to send delegations to Qatar this month to negotiate a partial ceasefire agreement, which was reportedly derailed by Ukraine's attack.

This strike into the Kursk region on August 6 was notable as it marked the first military incursion into Russian territory since World War Two.

In response to the attack, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, expressed skepticism about the potential for negotiations, stating there is 'nothing to talk about' with those who engage in such actions.

Zakharova further emphasized that there were no discussions to break off, asserting, 'No one broke anything off because there was nothing to break off.'

She also noted that there were no negotiations with Kyiv regarding the safety of civilian infrastructure.

Both Russia and Ukraine continue to accuse each other of targeting civilian infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict, with each side denying such actions.

While Ukraine's government has not commented directly on the situation, its presidential office indicated that a planned summit in Doha has been postponed to August 22 due to the situation in the Middle East.

Since initiating its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has occupied approximately 18% of Ukrainian territory.

Zakharova referenced President Vladimir Putin's remarks questioning the feasibility of negotiations following Ukraine's ground attack and assaults on Russian civilian infrastructure.