The Kremlin said Friday that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were on "pause" as US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the three-and-a-half-year conflict falter.

 "Our negotiators have the opportunity to communicate through channels. But for now, it is probably more accurate to talk about a pause," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, including AFP, in a briefing call.

"You can't wear rose-tinted glasses and expect that the negotiation process will yield immediate results," he added.