(CNA) Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently "lacking sincerity" in peace talks with Ukraine, a top U.S. diplomat said on Monday after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

The U.S. State Department's undersecretary for political affairs, Victoria Nuland, visited Uzbekistan in person to show Washington's support as Russia sought to destroy Uzbekistan's energy infrastructure, Reuters reported.

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"Diplomacy (solution) is clearly the goal of all parties, but partners must first show their willingness to (peace talks)," Lu Lan told reporters.

"It's clear that Vladimir Putin has shown no sincerity or preparedness, whether it's the energy offensive, or the Kremlin's rhetoric and attitude."

U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 1st that he is ready to talk to Putin if the Russian leader is interested in ending the war in Ukraine.

But when the Kremlin made it a condition that the west recognize the four Ukrainian regions that Moscow had declared annexed, the proposal quickly fell through.

Lu Lan said Russia's reaction showed "how insincere they are".

Lu Lan also met with Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's chief of staff to the presidency, who expressed gratitude for the billions of dollars in aid pledged by Washington.

"We are sure that Ukraine's victory will be our common victory," Zelensky's office quoted Yermak as saying. 1111204