European ministers say Putin is pretending to pursue peace after U.S.–Russia talks stall, raising doubts about the future of negotiations over the Ukraine war.
Europe Accuses Putin of Faking Commitment to Peace
Tensions Surge After U.S.–Russia Meeting in Moscow
Ukraine and its European allies accused Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday of only pretending to pursue peace, a day after U.S. envoys spent five hours in talks at the Kremlin with no breakthrough. The meeting, attended by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, was meant to explore a path toward ending the nearly four-year war triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
European Ministers Challenge Putin’s Motives
European officials rejected the idea that Moscow is moving toward genuine compromise. U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Putin to “end the bluster and the bloodshed” and back a “just and lasting peace.” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Putin of “wasting the world’s time,” underscoring Kyiv’s view that Russia is stalling while continuing its offensive operations.
Competing Narratives Cloud Peace Efforts
On Tuesday, Putin accused European governments of undermining U.S.-led diplomacy and warned that Russia would be ready for war with Europe if provoked. European leaders dispute that claim, noting that they—and the U.S.—have spent billions supporting Ukraine since 2022. Under President Donald Trump, Washington has scaled back some aspects of military support while attempting to accelerate a negotiated settlement.
Stalled Talks Over Territory Remain Key Obstacle
Following Tuesday’s talks, Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said discussions were “positive” but confirmed no compromise had been reached on the fate of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions Russia claims as its own. Ukraine has ruled out surrendering territory. Ushakov said peace is “not further” away but cautioned that major work remains for both Washington and Moscow.
Secrecy Adds Uncertainty to Negotiation Process
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the suggestion that Putin dismissed the U.S. peace proposal leaked last month, which many Europeans criticized as favouring Russian demands. Peskov declined to release details of the meeting, arguing that negotiations are more productive when conducted quietly. The lack of transparency has left allies unsure how far Washington is prepared to pressure either side.
Europe Reinforces Support for Ukraine
Foreign ministers from NATO’s European members, meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, expressed impatience with Russia’s stance. Estonia’s Margus Tsahkna said Putin is “pushing more aggressively on the battlefield,” showing no interest in compromise. Finland’s Elina Valtonen said a full ceasefire would be the most credible sign of Russian goodwill. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that while peace talks continue, Ukraine must remain militarily reinforced to withstand Russian pressure.
Uncertain Road Ahead for Negotiators
With negotiations stalled and positions hardening, the direction of peace efforts now largely depends on U.S. strategy: whether Washington applies more pressure to Moscow, or expects Kyiv to consider concessions it has long rejected. For now, neither side appears ready to shift, leaving Europe, Ukraine, and the United States navigating an uneasy mix of diplomacy and ongoing conflict.
