Ukraine and its European allies have criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for pretending to be interested in peace talks following a five-hour meeting with U.S. envoys in the Kremlin that did not yield any significant progress. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called on Putin to cease the rhetoric and violence and engage in constructive dialogue to achieve a just and enduring peace. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged Putin to stop wasting time.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reiterated from Brussels that Ukraine must be actively involved in the peace negotiations. Anand emphasized Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting the country’s substantial investment of over $200 million in military equipment for Ukraine.
The statements underscore the ongoing tensions and deep divide between Russia, on one side, and Ukraine and its European partners, on the other, regarding the resolution of the conflict that began when Russia invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago.
In a recent development, Putin accused European nations of hindering the U.S.-led peace efforts and issued a warning that Russia is prepared for war with Europe if provoked. Following the 2022 invasion, European governments, alongside the U.S., have provided significant financial and military backing to Kyiv. However, the U.S. has scaled back its support under President Donald Trump, focusing instead on ending the conflict.
Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the talks between Putin, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner as positive but refrained from disclosing specifics. The direction of the peace negotiations hinges largely on whether the Trump administration opts to intensify pressure on Russia or Ukraine to make concessions.
A recently leaked U.S. peace proposal faced criticism for allegedly favoring Moscow by accommodating some of Russia’s demands that Kyiv has rejected. European leaders fear that conceding to Russia’s demands in Ukraine could embolden Moscow to threaten their own countries, which have already experienced Russian incursions and alleged sabotage activities.
Despite the talks, key issues such as the fate of the four Ukrainian regions partially seized and claimed by Russia remain unresolved. Ushakov acknowledged the lack of compromise on territorial matters and emphasized that without resolution on this front, the crisis cannot be resolved.
The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, denied reports that Putin rejected the U.S. peace plan and emphasized the importance of conducting negotiations discreetly for increased productivity.
European NATO foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels, expressed impatience with Moscow, noting Putin’s continued aggression on the battlefield. They stressed the need for Russia to show willingness for peace, with calls for a comprehensive ceasefire as a confidence-building measure.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed ongoing military aid to Ukraine from its partners to maintain pressure on Moscow while peace talks continue. Rutte emphasized the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses to resist Russian aggression until a lasting resolution is achieved.