Diplomacy Stalls Despite Positive US-Russia Talks
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiating a “permanent peace” with Ukraine. Speaking after his “compelling” talks with Putin in Saint Petersburg, Witkoff suggested that a potential deal could reshape US-Russia relations, bringing stability to the region. Despite this hopeful assessment, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioned that agreeing on the terms of peace would be “not easy.”
Witkoff’s comments came after a five-hour meeting with Putin, during which he sensed progress toward an agreement. However, this follows over a year of stalled ceasefire discussions, with little to show for US mediation efforts.
Tensions Rise as Russia Continues Aggression
Despite diplomatic talks, Russia has shown no significant willingness to de-escalate, continuing its assault on Ukraine. Just days after the Witkoff-Putin meeting, Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks yet on Ukraine’s city of Sumy, claiming at least 35 lives. US President Donald Trump, who is deeply involved in the negotiations, called the attack a “mistake” but did not offer any further details.
As Russian forces target civilian areas, including energy facilities, both sides accuse each other of violating previous ceasefire agreements. Ukraine has agreed to US proposals for peace talks, but Russia has not made any meaningful concessions.
Trump and Lavrov Place Blame on the West
In a significant divergence from the US administration’s stance, Russian officials have framed the conflict as a consequence of Western actions. Lavrov, speaking to the Kommersant newspaper, blamed the US and European Union for fueling the war by helping bring the current Ukrainian leadership into power. This rhetoric aligns with President Trump’s controversial view that Ukraine and its Western allies share blame for the war.
Trump echoed these sentiments, accusing both President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of starting the war. He claimed that “millions of people are dead because of three people,” naming Putin, Biden, and Zelenskyy as the primary culprits. Trump further criticized Zelenskyy for seeking military aid without ensuring victory in a war against a much larger enemy.
Zelenskyy Pleads for Direct Engagement
The rift between Trump and Zelenskyy has deepened, especially after Trump’s direct discussions with Russia, which excluded Ukrainian representatives. In a recent interview, Zelenskyy urged Trump to visit Ukraine before making decisions on a peace deal, highlighting the devastation the war has wrought on the civilian population.
Zelenskyy’s appeal echoed the sentiments of many in Ukraine, who worry that peace negotiations between the US and Russia could bypass their interests entirely. European allies of Ukraine, including Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, have also warned against being deceived by Russian tactics to delay meaningful negotiations.
The Road to Peace Remains Uncertain
As talks continue, the global community remains divided. While some view the diplomatic engagement as a step toward peace, others caution that Russia’s delay tactics could derail any real progress. The attack on Sumy serves as a stark reminder of the war’s ongoing brutality and the challenges ahead in reaching a lasting ceasefire.