The Kremlin has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of resisting peace efforts, following a tense exchange last week between him and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Zelensky is unwilling to pursue peace and suggested that European leaders should pressure him into negotiations.
Peskov described Friday’s heated public interaction between Trump and Zelensky as an “unprecedented event,” blaming Zelensky for what he called a lack of diplomatic skill.
“He demonstrated a complete lack of diplomatic abilities, to put it mildly,” Peskov told reporters. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the situation, viewing it as validation of Russia’s stance on the ongoing conflict.
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Beyond criticizing Zelensky, Peskov hinted that European allies might have to step in to smooth relations between Ukraine and the U.S. “Someone will have to make sizable efforts in dialogue with Washington to counteract the unpleasant residue left in the White House after speaking with Zelensky,” he said.
He further suggested that peace efforts would require more than just cooperation between Washington and Moscow, implying that broader international involvement is necessary.
The Kremlin’s comments came after European leaders convened for crisis talks in London over the weekend, where Zelensky expressed his willingness to collaborate with Europe on setting terms for a possible peace agreement.
However, Peskov characterized the situation as “complex” and noted that Western unity on Ukraine is showing signs of strain. “Although initial outlines of peace plans are emerging, it is too early to say that a coherent strategy exists,” he added.
Despite discussions of potential peace initiatives, Peskov reiterated that Russia remains committed to its so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine, aimed at achieving the objectives set from the start of the invasion.
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