Zelensky Claims Russia Is Stalling Peace Negotiations

In a post on social media, Zelensky expressed concerns over Russia's unrealistic demands and the need for consequences if they continue to undermine the negotiation process.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has lashed out at Russia, accusing the nation of attempting to "buy time" to prolong its military actions in Ukraine. This statement comes on the heels of a day marked by discussions concerning a potential ceasefire, spurred by comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated that advancements had been made in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"If Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine progress, there must be tough consequences," Zelensky wrote on social media, stressing Ukraine's willingness to engage in negotiations for peace. This development follows separate discussions Trump held with both Zelensky and Putin, where he claimed that truce conversations would commence "immediately."

While Putin expressed his readiness to collaborate on a "memorandum on a possible future peace agreement," he did not address calls for a temporary ceasefire lasting 30 days. In a striking contrast to Zelensky's assertiveness, the Kremlin downplayed the prospects for imminent negotiations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating, "there are no deadlines and there cannot be any."

In response to the stalled discussions, Zelensky has ramped up diplomatic efforts, engaging with Western allies to consolidate support. In a recent conversation with the President of Finland, he indicated that Ukraine is striving to maintain pressure on Moscow, hoping to influence a shift in Russian behavior.

As the negotiation landscape grows increasingly tense, the European Union and United Kingdom have initiated new rounds of sanctions against Russia. The EU announced a blacklist of nearly 200 more oil tankers linked to Russia's alleged shadow operations, warning of a "tougher response" should Moscow refuse to facilitate a peace agreement. Similarly, the UK imposed sanctions on an additional 18 tankers, part of a broader strategy aimed at hindering Russian military supply chains and energy exports.

These developments follow a significant drone attack in Ukraine over the weekend, described by officials as one of the largest since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Amid ongoing heavy conflict, Ukraine reported 177 skirmishes in just 24 hours, claiming over 1,000 Russian soldier casualties.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius commented on the situation ahead of an EU ministers meeting, stating that Russia’s unrelenting assaults reveal a lack of genuine interest in peace. He stated, "Putin is clearly playing for time. Unfortunately, we have to say he is not really interested in peace."

Despite past temporary ceasefires announced by Russia, Kyiv has historically rejected these overtures, citing deep-seated mistrust. The conflict has raged since February 2022, when Moscow launched a full-scale invasion, further complicating any efforts toward a lasting resolution as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.