Ukraine’s President Accuses Russia of Stalling Peace Talks Amid Diplomatic Efforts

Kyiv, President Volodymr Zelensky of Ukraine has publicly accused Russia of obstructing efforts to convene a peace summit with President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky’s remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to mediate a meeting between the two leaders, though he acknowledges the challenges involved, describing their relationship as “like oil and vinegar.”

Following a week of intense diplomatic engagement, which included discussions between Trump and Putin in Alaska, as well as talks involving Zelensky and European leaders in Washington, Trump’s assessment of the situation reflects growing frustrations: “It’s turning out to be the most difficult effort I’ve ever tried to stop a war,” he remarked.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov countered Zelensky’s assertions, stating that while Putin is open to meeting with the Ukrainian president, “the agenda is not ready at all,” and accused Zelensky of rejecting proposals without consideration.

Trump has expressed optimism about the potential summit, indicating plans to facilitate a meeting that he would partake in afterward. While Zelensky has shown support for the initiative, he insists on obtaining robust security guarantees from Western allies to protect Ukraine against any future Russian aggression. “Ukraine, unlike Russia, is not afraid of any meetings between leaders,” he stated.

During a recent visit to Kyiv, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized Trump’s goal of “breaking the deadlock” and highlighted ongoing collaboration with the U.S. and European nations to establish strong security guarantees that would deter any future attacks from Russia.

Discussing the desired security arrangements, Zelensky mentioned his preference for guarantees that align with NATO’s Article 5, which stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. “This is the beginning of a big undertaking,” he said, acknowledging the complexities involved in securing both military and diplomatic support to ensure Ukraine’s safety.

Rutte reiterated NATO’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities and negotiating meaningful Western security commitments. He underscored the importance of learning from past agreements, such as the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which promised security assurances to Ukraine in exchange for the surrender of its nuclear arsenal.

In response to skepticism from the Ukrainian public regarding the effectiveness of the latest diplomatic efforts, Zelensky conveyed a cautious optimism, stating, “Maybe I’m showboating, but Washington felt like a success.” He emphasized that without U.S. involvement, Europe would be less likely to fully support Ukraine.

Nevertheless, Lavrov’s comments to NBC News indicated a lack of immediate prospects for a summit, as he stated, “There is no meeting planned.” However, he acknowledged Russia’s willingness to show flexibility on certain issues raised at the Alaska summit.

As diplomatic initiatives continue, all eyes remain on the potential outcomes of these high-stakes negotiations.