Putin alleges that Europeans are undermining peace initiatives about Ukraine and engages with a US delegation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv’s European allies on Tuesday of undermining U.S.-led initiatives to resolve the almost four-year conflict in Ukraine, just prior to his meeting with a group dispatched by President Donald Trump.

“They lack a peace agenda and align themselves with the war,” Putin remarked on the Europeans before discussions in the Kremlin with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Trump.

Putin’s allegations seemed to be his most recent effort to instigate discord between Trump and European nations, while also preparing to absolve Moscow of responsibility for any stagnation in progress.

He charged Europe with altering peace proposals by introducing “demands that are entirely unacceptable to Russia,” so “obstructing the entire peace process” and attributing the blame to Moscow.

“That is their objective,” stated Putin.

He reaffirmed his longstanding assertion that Russia has no intentions of assaulting Europe, a worry frequently expressed by certain European nations.

“However, should Europe abruptly decide to initiate hostilities against us, we are prepared to respond immediately. “There is no doubt regarding that,” stated Putin.

In 2022, Russia initiated a war by launching a full-scale invasion of a sovereign European nation. Consequently, European governments have expended billions of dollars to provide financial and military support to Ukraine, reduce their energy dependence on Russia, and enhance their own military capabilities to deter further territorial aggression from Moscow.

Concerns arise that if Russia achieves its objectives in Ukraine, it will have the latitude to intimidate or destabilise other European nations, which have already encountered incursions by Russian drones and fighter jets, as well as a claimed extensive Russian sabotage initiative.

Trump’s peace plan depends on Europe to furnish the majority of the funding and security assurances for a postwar Ukraine, despite the absence of consultations with European stakeholders over the initial proposal. Consequently, European countries have advocated for peace initiatives to encompass their issues as well.

Prior to the discussions, Witkoff, conversing with Putin through a translator, remarked that he and Kushner had enjoyed “a beautiful walk” in Moscow, characterising it as a “magnificent city.”

Simultaneously with Witkoff’s journey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Ireland, furthering his engagements with European nations that have supported Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy indicated that he anticipated prompt updates later on Tuesday from U.S. envoys in Moscow regarding the potential progression of negotiations, following the reduction of Trump’s original 28-point plan to 20 items during discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Florida on Sunday.

“They intend to provide a report to us immediately following that meeting.” The future and subsequent actions are contingent upon these signals. Zelenskyy stated during a news conference in Dublin with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, “Such measures will fluctuate throughout the day, even on an hourly basis, I believe.”

“Should the signals indicate equitable conduct with our partners, we may convene imminently with the American delegation,” he stated.

“There is an abundance of discourse, yet we require outcomes.” Zelenskyy stated, “Our people are perishing daily.” “I am prepared to confer with President Trump.” The outcome is contingent upon today’s discussions.

Following months of exasperation in attempting to cease hostilities, Trump dispatched diplomats to garner support for his peace initiatives. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin’s discussions with Witkoff and Kushner will continue “for as long as necessary.”

The discussions have proceeded along parallel trajectories, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging with Ukrainian officials.

Zelenskyy stated that he convened on Tuesday with the Ukrainian group that had returned from meetings with U.S. representatives in Florida. Rubio stated that the discussions advanced, but noted that “additional work remains.”

Zelenskyy stated that the discussions in Florida were informed by a document co-created by both parties during a prior meeting in Geneva. The Ukrainian leader stated that the paper is now “finalised,” albeit he did not clarify its implications.

Zelenskyy stated on the Telegram messaging app that Ukrainian diplomats are striving to guarantee considerable involvement of European partners in decision-making and cautioned against purported Russian disinformation tactics intended to manipulate the negotiations.

Zelenskyy stated, “Ukrainian intelligence will furnish partners with insights regarding Russia’s genuine intentions and its endeavours to utilise diplomatic measures as a facade to alleviate sanctions and obstruct significant collective European resolutions.”

Zelenskyy convened with political leaders and legislators in Dublin on his inaugural official visit. Ireland maintains formal neutrality and is not a NATO member; yet, it has provided nonlethal military assistance to Ukraine. Over 100,000 Ukrainians have relocated to Ireland since Russia commenced its military aggression on February 24, 2022.

This week’s discussions may advance the process, however limited specifics have emerged. The method by which envoys will reconcile the fundamental territorial disputes between the two parties remains ambiguous. European leaders argue that the path to peace will be protracted.

European leaders seek to assert their influence following their significant marginalisation by Washington. They are also developing future security assurances for Ukraine.

On Monday, Zelenskyy was in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron stated that they had a telephone conversation with Witkoff. They also engaged with leaders from eight additional European nations, as well as senior officials from the European Union and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Macron stated that the forthcoming days will witness “critical discussions” between U.S. authorities and Western allies. Zelenskyy’s travel to Paris succeeded a meeting on Sunday between Ukrainian and U.S. officials, which Rubio characterised as positive.

Diplomats encounter significant challenges in reconciling the disparities between Russia and Ukraine and convincing them to reach concessions. The principal challenges regarding Kyiv’s potential territory concessions to Moscow and the assurance of Ukraine’s future security remain unsolved.

Zelenskyy facing pressure
Zelenskyy faces immense pressure during one of the most challenging phases of the war for his nation. In addition to managing diplomatic pressure, he must secure funding to sustain Ukraine, resolve a corruption crisis that has permeated the highest levels of his government, and deter Russia on the battlefield.

On Monday evening, the Kremlin asserted that Russian forces have seized the strategic city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Nonetheless, Zelenskyy stated in Paris that hostilities were still occurring in Pokrovsk on Monday.

On Tuesday, Ukraine’s general staff refuted Russia’s assertions of having seized Pokrovsk, characterising it as a propaganda manoeuvre. The Ukrainian army is preparing supplementary logistical lines to supply troops in the region, according to the Facebook post.